ADHD drugs could reduce the risk of early death

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with symptoms such as fidgeting and difficulty focusing. But in one study, it was also associated with a greater risk of 34 out of 35 physical health conditions – including alcohol-related liver disease, sleep disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

And according to a new review published in JAMA Network Open, ADHD also appears to be associated with a greater risk of early death.

However, medication seems to reduce this probability.

Researchers looked at data from over 15.9 million participants across 19 studies in this review – a huge sample size. The results of 12 of these studies were pooled to estimate the risk of early mortality in people with ADHD.

Overall, statistics in this sample suggest that people with the condition have a 70% higher than average risk of death in general. This figure rose to 90% for suicide risk, and sat at 50% for unintentional or intentional injury fatalities.

So far, these findings have been similar to those seen in another review from 2022.

However, the new review suggested that those with ADHD have a 30% higher likelihood of dying from natural causes, which was not suggested in the previous study. According to the 2026 authors, “this difference may reflect the inclusion of more recently published studies or differences in the studies and effect estimates”.

Regardless of the cause of death, however, taking adequate ADHD medication appears to “significantly” lower the risk of those affected.

“This finding reinforces the importance of accessible diagnosis and treatment for ADHD across the lifespan,” the paper reads.

This study only found a link between ADHD medication use and a lower risk of death. But its authors pointed to previous research that indicated that the appropriate use of ADHD medication can reduce the risk of injuries, mental health conditions, suicidal behavior and death by suicide, and substance use disorders.

A separate study suggested that among those with ADHD, the benefits of proper medication significantly outweigh the risks.

However, the researchers in the JAMA Network Open paper cautioned that only three of the studies they reviewed contributed to the discovery about the medication’s risk-reducing benefits. And confounding factors, such as access to healthcare and socioeconomic status, may influence how easily people with ADHD also access medication.

The review concluded: “These results reinforce the importance of targeted intervention and access to diagnosis and treatment for ADHD individuals across the lifespan.”

No, said Dr. Claudia Aymericha consultant psychiatrist at Berkeley Psychiatry.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, the expert explained: “The review found that, in large groups of people, those with ADHD had a higher risk of dying from any cause than those without it, at 71% higher.”

But that doesn’t mean that everyone with ADHD is 71% more likely than every single person without it. “This is a relative measure for comparing groups, not a prediction of an individual’s lifespan,” clarified Dr. Aymerich.

ADHD can actually affect things like attention, impulse control and planning, which can contribute to certain risks for some people, she notes. But mortality is influenced by many factors, including physical health, co-occurring mental health conditions and access to appropriate care.

“These findings should encourage improved recognition, treatment and support for people with ADHD, not lead to the assumption that everyone with the diagnosis will have a shorter life.”

The expert went on to say that she found the data on ADHD drugs “encouraging” because they showed a 25% lower risk of death from any cause among the people who needed them. But like the researchers of the study, she also stressed that this paper only found a link and not a cause.

“Medication can help many people manage ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity, although their effects vary between individuals. We cannot conclude from this review alone that medication directly reduces mortality or guarantee that it protects someone from negative outcomes,” she concluded.

“What is important is that people have access to timely assessment, appropriate treatment and long-term support tailored to their needs. Anyone considering the medication should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their prescribing clinician”.