ADHD and Decreased Life Expectancy

ADHD
Written By Indizo Moon

My name is Indizo (Zoë) Moon, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and owner of Rising Moon Mental Health; I have a specialty certification in ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), and I have been diagnosed with ADHD myself. As someone with ADHD, I know how frustrating seeking care for this diagnosis can be! Even as a PMHNP, I struggle with providers to be heard and treated appropriately. Many in my field see ADHD as "drug seeking," not serious, and as an excuse. (As I write more articles, we will explore how ADHD is dismissed in healthcare.)

Now, keep in mind that the information below doesn't mean that someone with ADHD will experience any particular point. Everyone is unique, and certain risk factors can be complicated by socioeconomic status, gender, etc. As you read through, I challenge you to think about the symptoms of ADHD and connect them to each of the resulting increases in risk. Hint: Impulsivity shows up a lot. 

Increased Risk-Taking Behaviors:

One reason why ADHD might be linked to shortened life expectancy is the tendency to engage in risk-taking behaviors. ADHD is more than just a disorder of inattention and inhibition; it curtails one's self-regulation. This results from the deficiencies in executive function, as defined by ADHD. 

Importantly, self-regulation allows one to anticipate hypothetical future events and adjust one's behavior in the here and now. Said more simply, those of us with ADHD have a hard time in the practice of 'actions have consequences.' Our ability to weigh future well-being over immediate gratification when one decides to act that is at issue. 

A person with ADHD can sit down and think about the future and detail how one should act appropriately in the here and now. The trouble comes in that fraction of a second the brain decides to do or not to do whatever is at hand. To multiply the challenge, most people make hundreds of daily choices that rely on self-regulation - immediate vs delayed consequences. ADHD causes one's decisions to trend towards momentary and immediate rewards regardless of the more significant and often more consequential outcomes.

These hundreds of decisions a day, big and small in nearly every part of life, pile up quickly, and the result can be an increase in the likelihood of accidents or injuries, potentially impacting their overall life span and quality of life.

Some examples of the consequences that can result from impaired executive function and diminished self-regulation:

  • Traumatic brain injuries

  • Risky driving behaviors

  • Sports injuries

  • Engaging in more risky types of sport

  • Increase in the number and severity of accidental injuries of all types

  • Increased likelihood of being the victim of violence (bullying)

  • Increased likelihood of being the perpetrator of violence (reactive)

  • Increased risk for partner violence

  • Increased risk for suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completions

    • Impulsivity is often the factor that lies between thoughts and attempts

  • Younger age of first sexual encounter

  • Engaging in sexual intercourse sooner in relationships

  • Less use of contraception = Higher risk of teenage pregnancy

  • Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy

  • Higher risk of STIs (STDs)

  • Higher risk of HPV infections (and later in life-related cancers)

  • Reduced tendency towards exercise, reading, and self-improvement habits

  • Less socialized in-person

  • Increased TV, screen time, and gaming

    • Studies show up to 15-20% incidence of internet addiction in teens. It can be made worse by other ADHD-caused issues such as depression, anxiety, reduced social interaction, and bullying by others

  • More frequent use of caffeine, tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol with reported increased difficulty in quitting 

  • Illegal substance use, prescription drug abuse (especially if there is also a conduct disorder diagnosed in adolescence) 

    • And all of the consequences that can come along with substance use, especially illicit drug use (legal, family, health issues)

  • Poorer diet choices

  • Increased risk of developing an eating disorder (especially bulimia)

 If all of the above isn't concerning enough, when you consider the downstream consequences (ironically enough) on health - you really can see the whole person effect ADHD can have on a person. Studies show the following health risks for those with ADHD: 

  • Young adults with ADHD self-report poorer general health

    • headache, fatigue, low back & joint pain, etc.

  •  Disrupted sleep – 40% of both children and adults

  • Higher risk of contracting COVID-19  

  • Greater risk of contracting respiratory infections in children

  • Increased risk for fibromyalgia syndrome

    • More so in females 

  • Increased incidence of asthma 

  • Increase in GI issues (IBS, constipation, etc)

  • Increase in asthma, COPD, diabetes, obesity, 

  • Impulsive eating patterns result in vitamin deficiencies

  • More cavities and dental trauma; poorer oral hygiene

  • Increased risk of hypertension

  • Higher risk to coronary arteries due to smoking, alcohol use, & diet

  • Lower HDL cholesterol and higher Total/HDL ratio

  • Increased risk of heart disease and cardiac events (heart attacks)

  •  Higher risk for colorectal cancer

There are also possible genetic links between ADHD and specific health issues, such as: 

  • Increased risk of gout

  • Greater occurrence of migraines

  • Greater risk for dementia and Parkinson

Another factor contributing to a potentially shorter life expectancy among individuals with ADHD is the higher prevalence of mental health challenges associated with this condition.

ADHD often coexists alongside other mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbid conditions can significantly impact an individual's well-being and quality of life if left untreated.

Conclusion: 

Taking in the information above, the two immediate conclusions that come to mind are: 1) ADHD should be taken seriously by your healthcare provider, and 2) Proper diagnosis, treatment, and coaching can have a real and substantial effect on one's quality and length of life. 

It's important to note that each individual's experience with ADHD is unique, and not everyone will face the same challenges or risks. With proper diagnosis, treatment, and support, individuals with ADHD can lead fulfilling lives and mitigate some of the potential risks associated with the condition.

If you're interested in learning more about this topic or want to dive deeper into the research surrounding ADHD and life expectancy, here are a few links that you might find helpful:

1. "ADHD Linked to Higher Risk of Early Death" - ADDitude Magazine:

(https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-news-early-death-smoking-study/)

2. "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adulthood: A risk factor for premature death" - PLOS ONE Journal:

(https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0205374)

3. "Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in relation to comorbidities and gender-A Swedish nationwide study" - European Psychiatry Journal:

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924933818304777)

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any specific concerns or questions you may have about ADHD or related topics.

Indizo Moon https://RisingMoonMentalHealth.com