Research
Review links ADHD to higher mortality and medication use to lower risk
The review linked ADHD to higher mortality, while medication use was associated with lower risk in just three studies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open found that people with ADHD had a 71% higher risk of death from any cause than people without ADHD. Researchers combined 19 observational studies involving 15,920,970 participants. The review also found higher risks of death by suicide (89%), injury (55%) and natural causes (27%).
An analysis of ADHD medication use, based on three studies, linked medication with a 25% lower risk of death from any cause compared with no medication. The researchers cautioned that the findings show associations, not cause and effect, and said the medication result is preliminary and needs further research.
