Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms and Expectations of Longevity Among Adults in Japan

A growing body of research has linked attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to premature mortality. However, as yet, little is known about whether individuals with ADHD think they will die at an earlier age.

To address this deficit, the current study examined the association between ADHD symptoms and expectations of longevity in adults in the Japanese general population, whether there are gender differences in this association, and the factors associated with expectations of longevity.

Data were analyzed from 2,377 adults (age 18-89, 53.8% female) who participated in an online survey in 2023. ADHD symptoms were assessed with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener, while a two-part question was used to obtain information on expected longevity. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the variables.

In a fully adjusted analysis, among the total sample, individuals with ADHD symptoms expected to live to a significantly reduced age compared with their non-ADHD counterparts (B: -5.1, 95% CI: [-7.9, -2.2]). In a sex-stratified analysis, both men (B: -5.9, 95% CI: [-9.9, -2.0]) and women (B: - 4.8, 95% CI: [-8.9, -0.7]) with ADHD symptoms had significantly reduced expectations of longevity. When the analysis was restricted to individuals with ADHD symptoms both lower education (B: -9.7, 95% CI: [-18.6, -0.9]) and depressive symptoms (B: -12.5, 95%: [-24.0, -0.9]) were associated with expecting reduced longevity.

This study builds on earlier research by showing that premature mortality may have its antecedent in an expectation of earlier death in individuals with ADHD/ADHD symptoms.