The connection between ADHD and life expectancy

You may have seen some headlines surrounding a study in The British Journal of Psychiatry which speaks to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and life expectancy, so as a psychiatrist and a mom, I want to provide you with more information and support surrounding ADHD. 

This new study suggests that yes, people with ADHD have a significantly shorter life expectancy—seven years for men and nine for women. That can be a concerning headline to read, so let’s unpack more of the facts to help you get a better understanding of what it means to live well with ADHD. 

What is the connection between ADHD and life expectancy? 

The study does not give us any new information about this, but the authors hypothesize it may be tied to many factors like substance use, mental health challenges, impulsivity, risky behaviors, and difficulty managing chronic conditions.

Here’s the important thing to remember: early diagnosis and support make all the difference. ADHD isn’t just a childhood challenge—it’s a lifelong condition that requires understanding and systems that work for neurodivergent people. Developing skills to manage ADHD (not just medication) can make a profound difference, but those skills need to adapt over time and often require the involvement and support of the entire family.

Unfortunately, many kids don’t get the help they need early enough, and pediatricians are often left trying to manage these complex cases without the right resources.

I believe we have a responsibility to do better. We need to create a healthcare system that better supports kids and adults with ADHD, not just for their health today, but for their futures. Everyone deserves the chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. Remember that the team at Bend is here if your family could use support surrounding ADHD. 

How to get support for your child with ADHD

At Bend, we know that focus and attention concerns can show up in different ways in kids, teens, and young adults and can even change over time. And regardless of a formal diagnosis, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD), focus concerns can be challenging for individuals and families to navigate. That’s why the team at Bend has designed a structured, personalized program that helps members to develop strategies and skills that let their unique superpowers shine.

If your family is struggling with how to navigate inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, , it can be a huge relief to find support from behavioral coaching and social skill management experts. A clinical support team can help your child learn the strategies needed to make positive choices when they feel overwhelmed, as well as help them foster healthy relationships with themselves and others. This support can be helpful regardless of whether you have a formal diagnosis. 

If your family is looking for a formal evaluation and diagnosis, neuropsychological testing can provide deep insights into how your child’s brain functions across a range of factors. This evidence-based assessment can help caregivers, teachers, and physicians determine the best learning environment for your child and accommodations that may support their development. In some cases a formal diagnosis and/or a neuropsychological evaluation is required to access accommodations through schools and healthcare providers.

As a parent or caregiver, you deserve support too! Mental health practitioners can help you gain better insight into your child’s behavior, teach you how to positively guide them through neurodevelopmental challenges, and join you in advocating for their needs. It can also be a good idea to engage the whole family in care to help everyone better communicate, set consistent routines and implement strategies to support your child’s development as they grow.

What are common ADHD symptoms in kids and teens? 

Every child is different, but these behaviors are  common signs and symptoms of ADHD: 

• Inattention: While it's normal for children to occasionally daydream or lose focus, persistent difficulty staying on task, following instructions, or completing activities may be signs of ADHD.

• Hyperactivity: Children are naturally energetic, but excessive and uncontrollable hyperactivity that disrupts daily activities, such as constantly fidgeting, running around excessively, or climbing on furniture, could be a sign of ADHD.

• Impulsivity: Children with ADHD may struggle with impulse control, acting without thinking about the consequences. Look for signs of impulsivity, such as interrupting others, blurting out answers, or engaging in risky behavior without considering the potential dangers.
  
  
• Organization and time management challenges: While forgetfulness and disorganization are common in children, those with ADHD may struggle more significantly. Behaviors may include chronic forgetfulness, losing items frequently, and difficulty completing tasks on time.

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We also have a team of licensed practitioners at Bend that can help you figure out the next steps, along with day-to-day tools to help make life easier for you and your child, so feel free to reach out for diagnostic information, including neuropsychological evaluations, and clinical support.