Health · Medical Research · 6 hrs ago
Review links ADHD to higher death rates across 19 studies
A review of 19 studies found that people diagnosed with ADHD had a 70% higher death rate than those without the condition.
The studies, which covered nearly 16 million people in seven countries, found higher rates of death by suicide, injury and natural causes.
Researchers from University College London and the University of Liverpool combined the findings, but all the studies were observational, so they cannot show that ADHD caused the higher death rate.
In three studies from Taiwan, Quebec and Sweden, people taking ADHD medication had a 25% lower death rate than those not taking it.
The researchers cautioned that the groups may differ in health, access to care or other ways, so the finding does not prove medication lowers mortality.
The review says support and treatment can help people with ADHD live long, healthy lives, while clinicians should consider the range of risks linked with the condition.
A review of 19 studies found that people diagnosed with ADHD had a 70% higher death rate than people without ADHD.
The studies involved nearly 16 million people and included research from seven countries.
Deaths from suicide were 90% higher, deaths from injuries 55% higher and deaths from natural causes 27% higher in the combined results.
Three studies found a 25% lower death rate among people with ADHD who took medication, but the authors cautioned that this association does not establish a cause.
All the studies were observational, so the review cannot show that ADHD causes earlier death.
- Who
- Researchers at University College London and the University of Liverpool reviewed studies of people with and without ADHD.
- What
- The review found a higher death rate among people diagnosed with ADHD, and a lower rate among those taking ADHD medication in three studies.
- When
- The review was published on November 13, 2026. It included studies published between 2012 and 2025.
- Where
- The studies came from the United States, Canada, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Finland and Denmark.
- Why
- The review examined the association between ADHD and death rates. The sources describe possible contributing factors but do not establish a cause.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The review included 19 studies published during this period.
Earth.com published its report on the review.
- Studies reviewed
- 19
- People included
- Nearly 16 million
- Overall death rate
- 70% higher for people diagnosed with ADHD
- Suicide death rate
- 90% higher in the combined results
- Injury death rate
- 55% higher in the combined results
- Medication finding
- 25% lower all-cause death rate in three studies
What people are saying
Clinicians should be aware that ADHD is associated with higher mortality risk via a variety of routes including accidental death and suicide and causes likely to do with co-occurring health problems.
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.