Health · Medical Research · 6 hrs ago
ADHD linked to higher death rates, while medication may lower risk
A review of 19 studies covering nearly 16 million people found that people diagnosed with ADHD had higher death rates than people without the condition.
The studies included populations in several countries across three continents.
People with ADHD had a 70% higher rate of death from any cause, including a 90% higher rate of death by suicide.
Death rates from injuries were about 50% higher, while rates from natural causes were about 30% higher.
ADHD can involve challenges with attention, impulse control and accessing health care, which may contribute to some risks, but the review cannot show that ADHD caused the deaths.
People with ADHD who took medication had a 25% lower rate of death, but this finding came from only three studies and does not prove the medication caused the difference.
The researchers say more research is needed to clarify the medication link, and that diagnosis, treatment and longer-term support matter.
A review of 19 studies involving more than 15.9 million people linked ADHD to higher death rates from all causes, suicide, injuries and natural causes.
People with ADHD had a 70% higher rate of death from any cause than people without ADHD.
The review found death rates from suicide were 90% higher, while rates from injuries were 50% to 55% higher and rates from natural causes were 27% to 30% higher.
ADHD medication was associated with a 25% lower mortality risk among people with ADHD, but this estimate came from only three studies.
The researchers said the findings show associations, not proof that ADHD causes higher mortality or that medication prevents deaths.
- Who
- Researchers reviewed studies of people with and without ADHD. The review was reported by News-Medical, ScienceAlert and MedPage Today.
- What
- ADHD was associated with higher mortality, while medication use was associated with lower mortality risk.
- When
- The review was published in JAMA Network Open; the articles were published on October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The included studies covered populations in the US, Canada, Sweden, Taiwan, the UK, Finland and Denmark.
- Why
- The review assessed mortality patterns related to ADHD and its treatment. The sources do not establish why ADHD is associated with higher mortality.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The 19 studies included in the review were published.
Articles reported the review’s findings on ADHD and mortality.
- Studies reviewed
- 19
- Participants
- More than 15.9 million
- Death from any cause
- 70% higher rate among people with ADHD
- Death by suicide
- 90% higher rate among people with ADHD
- Medication association
- 25% lower mortality risk; based on three studies
- Study publication
- JAMA Network Open
3 sources
What people are saying
ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition as the right support and treatment can help people with ADHD to live long and healthy lives.
Pooled estimates should be interpreted as average associations across diverse populations and study contexts rather than as being universally applicable.