ADHD linked to higher risk of death from multiple causes

Clinical takeaway: Consider ADHD a lifelong condition with implications beyond symptom burden. This large meta-analysis suggests people with ADHD face substantially higher mortality risks across several causes of death, while ADHD medication use was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, although causality cannot be established.

ADHD has traditionally been viewed through the lens of educational, occupational, and behavioral outcomes. Growing evidence suggests ADHD is associated with long-term physical and mental health challenges and increased mortality risk, highlighting the importance of ongoing assessment, treatment, and support across the lifespan.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open, researchers analyzed 19 observational studies encompassing nearly 15.9 million participants from North America, Europe, and Asia. Across nine studies included in the primary analysis, an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a 70% higher risk of death from any cause compared with no ADHD diagnosis.

Cause-specific analyses also found elevated mortality risks. People with ADHD had a 90% higher risk of suicide-related death, a 55% higher risk of death from intentional or unintentional injuries, and a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes. The authors noted that these risks may reflect a combination of factors, including psychiatric comorbidity, difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation, increased exposure to injuries, health-risk behaviors, and challenges accessing or engaging with healthcare.

Three studies evaluating medication use among people with ADHD suggested treatment was associated with a 25% lower risk of all-cause mortality. However, investigators emphasized that these findings were based on a limited number of observational studies and should not be interpreted as evidence that medication directly reduces mortality.

“We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death by suicide and injury, but also of deaths by natural causes, adding to evidence that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are broad and wide-ranging,” said senior author Joshua Stott, PhD (University College of London, Psychology and Language Sciences).

Sources: Corrigan L, et al. (2026 Oct 19) JAMA Netw Open. Mortality among people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis