Women with ADHD Likely to Die Up to 11 Years Earlier Than Those Without the Diagnosis

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of a person experiencing stress.Photo:VioletaStoimenova/Getty

VioletaStoimenova/Getty

An alarming new study says that adults withADHDdie up to 11 years earlier due to a lack of appropriate support and treatment.

An exhaustive study of more than 30,000 adults withADHDfound a reduction in life expectancy for men between 4.5 and 9 years, and for women, between 6.5 and 11 years, according toa statementreleased on the study, which was published Jan. 23 in theBritish Journal of Psychiatry.

On average, males with ADHD had a life expectancy 6.8 years shorter than those without, while females with ADHD had a life expectancy 8.6 years shorter.

Stock image of a person talking to a therapist.Kobus Louw/Getty

Kobus Louw/Getty

Adding to the risk is what the study describes as “self-management of ADHD/associatedmental health challenges” — where those with the disorder turn to “substance use, smoking, excess risk-taking or compulsive behavior” which “may increase the likelihood of premature death.”

Stock image of alcohol bottles.monticelllo/Getty

monticelllo/Getty

“People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment,” the study’s senior author, Professor Josh Stott, University College London Psychology & Language Sciences, saidin the statement.

“However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem.”

“The findings illustrate an important inequity,” the study says. “The evidence that people with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should is extremely concerning, and highlights unmet support needs that require urgent attention."

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source: people.com