The study finds that people with ADHD who are treated with medication have a 19% lower risk of death compared to those with untreated ADHD. This suggests that ADHD medication may be life-saving due to various psychiatric comorbidities related to the condition, such as depression and bipolar disorder. Approximately 10% of children and teens in the United States have ADHD, which requires careful diagnosis and can present differently in males and females. The recent shortage of ADHD medications has complicated treatment for individuals with the condition.
A recent observational study conducted in Sweden tracked the health of 148,578 individuals with ADHD, with 41.3% being female. The median age of participants was 17.4 years, with an overall age range of 6 to 64. Each individual was followed for two years after diagnosis, and all-cause deaths as well as non-natural deaths associated with ADHD, such as accidents, suicide, poisoning, or drug overdose, were recorded. Those treated for ADHD with medication had a 19% lower risk of death over the two-year period compared to those not receiving treatment.
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, which can improve attention, impulse control, and behavior regulation by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. For individuals who do not respond well to stimulants, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine are available. The study suggests that prescribed ADHD medication may be life-saving for some individuals with the condition due to the psychiatric comorbidities associated with ADHD, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
ADHD often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. However, observational studies like the one conducted in Sweden have inherent limitations, as confounding factors can impact the findings. Further research may be necessary to understand the potential causal relationship between ADHD medication and lower mortality risk. The study’s strengths included its large sample size, longitudinal design, and use of electronic health records for detailed information.
ADHD is primarily diagnosed in children and teens, with about 6 million youth in the U.S. diagnosed with the condition between 2016 and 2019. The condition manifests in traits such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and individuals may exhibit various combinations of these symptoms. Diagnosis requires careful clinical observation and assessment, as ADHD can coexist with learning and developmental disorders. Additionally, ADHD may present differently in males and females, with males often diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD and females with inattentive ADHD.
The ongoing shortage of ADHD medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, has made consistent treatment challenging for individuals with the condition. Factors contributing to the shortage include production issues, manufacturing problems, increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recreational use of Adderall. Adequate ADHD medication supplies are crucial for improving outcomes and potentially adding years to the lives of individuals with the condition. Further research and efforts to address the medication shortage are needed to ensure effective ADHD treatment for those who need it.