The core challenges of ADHD are executive dysfunction, impulsivity, and difficulty with long-term planning—make managing health, safety, and daily responsibilities much harder.
Studies suggest that individuals with ADHD may have a shorter life expectancy compared to neurotypical individuals, primarily due to increased risks related to accidents, impulsivity, substance abuse, and health complications. Research indicates that:
On average, people with ADHD may live 8 to 13 years less than neurotypical individuals, in some cases 25 years less.
A 2019 study by Dr. Russell Barkley found that severe ADHD cases might reduce lifespan by up to 25 years in extreme cases due to poor self-regulation, increased stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The biggest contributing factors are higher rates of accidental injuries, risk-taking behaviors, obesity, and untreated mental health conditions.
However, proper diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle changes (such as therapy, medication, exercise, and structured routines) can help mitigate these risks and improve longevity.
Would you like strategies to help improve life expectancy and health outcomes for ADHD?
Why Do ADHD Adults Have a Shorter Lifespan?
Executive Dysfunction & Life Management Struggles
Difficulty maintaining a livable environment (clutter, unsafe conditions).
Forgetting to eat properly or drink enough water.
Inconsistent hygiene and self-care routines.
Poor financial management leading to stress and instability.
Forgetting or mismanaging medication, missing doctor appointments.
Higher Risk of Accidents & Injuries
Impulsivity increases risk-taking behavior (reckless driving, not wearing seatbelts, unsafe sex, etc.).
Forgetfulness and inattention can lead to accidents, fires, injuries.
Difficulty following through on preventive health care (checkups, screenings, nutrition support).
Chronic Stress, Burnout, & Mental Health Issues
ADHD is often accompanied by anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
Difficulty managing stress leads to higher cortisol levels, which contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
Overwhelm and burnout reduce motivation to take care of oneself.
Social Isolation & Support Gaps
Struggles with maintaining friendships and relationships.
Lack of a strong support system, which affects mental health.
Social rejection leads to loneliness, which increases mortality risk.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Higher likelihood of using alcohol, smoking, drugs, or food to self-soothe.
Irregular sleep patterns and chronic sleep deprivation (which increases risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes).
Is It Just Poor Choices? No—It’s a Systemic Issue.
It’s not just about making "bad choices"; it’s about living in a world that isn’t designed for ADHD brains. Neurotypical life requires strong executive functioning, which ADHD people struggle with. This leads to constant small failures (missed bills, health neglect, disorganization), which add up over time and take a toll on both physical and mental health.
What Can Help?
Externalized systems: Reminders, alarms, habit trackers, accountability partners.
Simplified self-care: Small, sustainable habits instead of all-or-nothing thinking.
ADHD-friendly financial management: Automated payments, budgeting apps, financial therapy.
Preventative healthcare: Setting appointments in advance, pairing medication with daily habits.
Community & support: Finding ADHD-friendly groups, therapy, and social connections.
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Would you say your struggles fall mostly in one category, or is it a mix of everything?
Would you like strategies to help mitigate these risks and improve health outcomes for ADHD? Send me a Message with ‘‘Life Saver ’’ in the heading or in email subject heading to bethechangehypnotherapy@gmail.com and I will send you a Free course with strategies and checklists to start to mitigate these issues and preventative-self check ins.
References:
Barkley, R. A. (2019). Hyperactive Child Syndrome and Estimated Life Expectancy at Young Adult Follow-Up: The Role of ADHD Persistence and Other Potential Predictors. Journal of Attention Disorders.
Summary: This study found that individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood may have a reduced life expectancy of about 9 years on average, and those with persistent ADHD into adulthood may see reductions of 12-13 years. In more severe cases, the reduction in life expectancy could be as high as 25 years due to factors like poor self-regulation, increased stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Link: https://chadd.org/attention-article/health-outcomes-of-adhd-is-there-an-effect-on-life-expectancy/
Barkley, R. A. (2019). ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control. Guilford Press.
Summary: Dr. Barkley discusses how executive function deficits in ADHD contribute to poor health outcomes, increased mortality risks, and overall reduced life expectancy.
Link: https://www.guilford.com/books/ADHD-and-the-Nature-of-Self-Control/Russell-Barkley/9781462542550
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