Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and adult mortality

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with potential long-term health implications.
• Limited research exists on the association between adult ADHD and mortality, particularly regarding causes of death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between self-reported ADHD and adult mortality over a four-year period.
• To determine if ADHD is associated with specific underlying causes of death, such as accidents.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2007 U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Sample Adult File.
• Linked NHIS data with National Death Index (NDI) data through 2011 (N=23,352).
• Employed weighted descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for complex sampling designs.

Main Results:

• Adults with ADHD exhibited significantly higher odds of mortality compared to those without ADHD (adjusted odds ratio=1.78).
• Accidental death was marginally more common among individuals with ADHD (13.2%) versus those without (4.3%), though not statistically significant (p=0.052).
• Despite data limitations and a small number of deaths observed, findings indicate a significant association between ADHD and increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• ADHD is associated with significantly increased odds of mortality in adults.
• Accidents may represent a more frequent underlying cause of death for adults with ADHD.
• Further research is needed to explore mechanisms and preventative strategies; regular ADHD assessment in surveys is recommended.