Archive · 22 Jan 2026
ADHD in Childhood Linked to Mid-Life Health Risks
A study found that children who showed signs of ADHD were more likely to have health problems as adults.
These problems include things like migraines, back problems, cancer, or diabetes.
The study looked at people born in 1970 and followed them for 46 years.
It found that people with ADHD traits had a higher chance of having multiple health issues.
This is partly because they might have more mental health problems, a higher body mass index (BMI), and smoke more.
The study suggests that ADHD can make it harder for people to control their impulses and can lead to more stressful life events and social exclusion.
This can affect their health over time.
People with ADHD traits at age 10 are 14% more likely to have multiple physical health issues by age 46.
Women are more affected by the association between ADHD traits and physical health-related disability.
Those likely to meet ADHD criteria in childhood have a 42% chance of physical multimorbidity by age 46, compared to 37% for others.
Poorer health outcomes are partly explained by increased mental health problems, higher BMI, and higher smoking rates.
ADHD traits were assessed based on parent and teacher questionnaires, regardless of formal diagnosis.
- Who
- People with ADHD traits in childhood
- What
- Higher likelihood of physical health issues and multimorbidity by mid-life
- When
- By age 46
- Where
- England, Scotland, and Wales
- Why
- Due to increased mental health problems, higher BMI, and higher smoking rates
- Study Participants
- 10,930 people born in 1970 in England, Scotland, and Wales
- ADHD Traits Assessment
- Based on parent and teacher questionnaires at age 10
- Increased Health Risks
- 14% higher likelihood of multiple physical health issues by age 46
- Physical Multimorbidity Probability
- 42.1% for those with high ADHD traits vs. 37.5% for others
- Contributing Factors
- Mental health problems, higher BMI, and higher smoking rates
- Journal
- JAMA Network Open
- Lead Researchers
- University College London and University of Liverpool