Adults with ADHD may die up to 11 years younger, new research finds
Adults with ADHD may die up to 11 years younger, new research finds
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Around 2.6 million adults in the UK have ADHD, but experts say treatment lags behind other countries. Adults with ADHD might die up to 11 years earlier than those without the disorder, a first-of-its-kind study has found, as experts call for more investment into treatments.
![[Adults in the UK are waiting years for diagnosis]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/08/17/18/iStock-1153852500.jpg)
Chief executive of ADHD UK Henry Shelford, who was diagnosed with ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] as an adult, said the report should be seen as an urgent call to action from the NHS and government. “Change is needed and without it lives are being devastated,” he said.
![[Mr Shelford said people with ADHD were bearing the cost of lagging investment in care]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/23/12/Perfocal_08-07-22_WYPG67XO_13421.jpeg_standard.jpg)
The new research found that those with ADHD could die between 4.5 and 9 years earlier for men, and between 6.5 and 11 years earlier for women, and noted there was “a dearth of specialist services to support adults with ADHD in the UK”. Josh Scott, professor of psychology and language sciences at UCL and senior author said people with ADHD could thrive with the right support and treatment, but that was often lacking.
“It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should,” he said. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence estimates 3-4 per cent of adults in the UK Have ADHD, or about 2.6 million people.
People with the disorder can often focus intensely on things they are interested in but may struggle to focus on mundane tasks. The condition can lead to more impulsiveness, restlessness, and differences in time management which can make work and school a struggle.
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