Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been found to be an intervening factor in terms of shorter life expectancy among diagnosed adults.
In a research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, those with ADHD variably experience poorer educational and employment outcomes due to the innate executive function disorder embedded within their brain chemistry.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly affects around 8.4% of children but does not necessarily mean that adults are less vulnerable as around 2.5% have been diagnosed with one. Common symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity which potentially debilitates day-to-day functions in terms of one’s academic, professional, and interpersonal lives.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is already a challenging feat on its own, but individuals now face a greater strain as figures show that diagnosed men were more likely to be subdued to mortality for roughly about 7 years. Women, on the other hand, lived for 9 years less on average.
Lead researcher and author Dr. Liz O’Nions, could only hope that through future studies, experts may get to figure out how to combat the distressing numbers laid upon individuals struggling with ADHD, “It is crucial that we find out the reasons behind premature deaths so we can develop strategies to prevent these in the future.”
This new data regarding the mortality of ADHD-diagnosed individuals is potentially connected to a 2019 study by Russell Barkley, wherein the shorter life expectancy is an aftermath of how adults with ADHD face the gloom reality of receiving lower incomes, fewer years of education, shorter sleep durations, among others which could be linked to an individual’s impulsivity.
The impact of ADHD is a harrowing reality, especially for diagnosed individuals where it strains their quality of living. Hence, this research coupled with previous related studies, highlights the importance of seeking professional help and developing various behavioral therapies to effectively aid and manage this condition.
With the hopes to eventually diminish the numbers behind the shorter life expectancy among diagnosed individuals, Max Wiznitzer, professor of pediatric neurology suggested that treating ADHD should also equate to managing executive function problems, “If you teach them the life skills that they need in order to work with the executive function difficulties so that they’re modifiable, that lessens the risk of all the complications that can develop.”
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