People With ADHD Are Twice as Likely to Die Early, Often in Accidents

When people think of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they often associate it with forgetfulness, impulsivity, or an inability to focus.

What most don’t realize, however, is that ADHD is linked to something far more serious—a significantly lower life expectancy.

A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet has revealed a sobering truth: people with ADHD are twice as likely to die prematurely compared to the general population.

And in most cases, these deaths aren’t due to underlying medical conditions but rather accidents—a tragic consequence of impulsive decision-making, risk-taking behavior, and impaired self-regulation.

The study, which analyzed data from 1.92 million people born in Denmark between 1981 and 2011, including over 32,000 individuals with ADHD, is the first to definitively link ADHD to increased mortality.

Over a 32-year period, 107 people with ADHD died prematurely, with the majority of these deaths stemming from avoidable accidents.

But here’s the real shocker: women with ADHD are at even greater risk.

In fact, they are nearly three times as likely to die prematurely compared to women without ADHD.

And adults diagnosed with ADHD after the age of 18?

Their risk of early death is four times higher than their neurotypical peers.

These findings shatter the common perception of ADHD as merely a childhood learning difficulty.

It’s not just about struggling to focus in school or being hyperactive—it’s a condition that can have lifelong, life-threatening consequences.

More Than Just a Childhood Disorder

For decades, ADHD has been misunderstood, often dismissed as a disorder that children “grow out of.” But the reality is starkly different.

ADHD isn’t just about fidgeting in class or struggling with homework.

It’s a lifelong condition that affects impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making—factors that can have deadly consequences.

Studies have long shown that individuals with ADHD are at higher risk of injury than the general population.

They are more likely to be involved in car accidents, experience falls, or sustain serious injuries due to impulsive actions.

But until now, researchers hadn’t fully grasped the extent to which these risks contribute to early mortality.

Why Are Women with ADHD at Higher Risk?

One of the most alarming revelations from this study is the heightened risk for women with ADHD.

While ADHD is commonly diagnosed in boys, many girls remain undiagnosed until adulthood—or worse, never receive a diagnosis at all.

This underdiagnosis means that many women go without treatment for years, increasing their likelihood of developing co-existing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders—all of which can compound their risk of premature death.

The researchers suggest that women with ADHD may also be less likely to receive medication or behavioral interventions, further increasing their vulnerability to impulsive or reckless behaviors.

Why Late Diagnoses Are More Dangerous

Another key finding from the study is that the age of ADHD diagnosis plays a critical role in determining risk.

Individuals diagnosed as adults (18+) are four times more likely to die prematurely than their neurotypical counterparts.
Those diagnosed in childhood or adolescence still face an increased risk, but not as severe as those diagnosed later in life.

This suggests that early diagnosis and intervention could literally be a lifesaver.

When ADHD is recognized and managed early, individuals are more likely to develop coping mechanisms, receive medical treatment, and avoid the dangerous behaviors that contribute to early mortality.

ADHD and Co-Existing Disorders

While ADHD alone increases the risk of premature death, the danger escalates dramatically when combined with other conditions.

The study found that individuals with ADHD who also suffer from:

Substance use disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
Conduct disorder

are at an eight times higher risk of dying prematurely.

These co-existing conditions amplify impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, and poor decision-making—all factors that contribute to accidental deaths, criminal activity, and substance abuse-related fatalities.

How Can We Reduce the Risk?

The study’s lead author, Søren Dalsgaard of Aarhus University in Denmark, emphasizes that these findings should serve as a wake-up call for both medical professionals and the general public.

1. Early Diagnosis and Intervention

Recognizing ADHD before adulthood can significantly reduce risk.
Girls and women should receive better screening to avoid underdiagnosis.
Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers must be proactive in identifying symptoms.

2. Effective Treatment Plans

Medication, such as stimulants, can improve impulse control and reduce risk-taking behavior.
Behavioral therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage risky tendencies.
Support groups and educational programs can provide guidance for families and individuals.

3. Addressing Co-Existing Conditions

ADHD rarely exists in isolation—treating co-occurring disorders is crucial.
Regular mental health check-ups should be a standard part of ADHD treatment.

4. Raising Awareness About Adult ADHD

ADHD doesn’t “disappear” in adulthood—it evolves.
Many adults remain undiagnosed, increasing their risk of accidents and premature death.
Employers, universities, and workplaces should offer support systems for adults with ADHD.

ADHD Is a Public Health Issue—Not Just a Behavioral One

For too long, ADHD has been treated as a minor behavioral disorder—a condition that affects school performance but carries no major long-term consequences.

This study proves otherwise.

ADHD is a serious public health issue that affects life expectancy, safety, and overall well-being.

While the absolute risk remains low—only 3 in 1,000 individuals with ADHD die prematurely—the relative risk is significantly higher than that of the general population.

That means thousands of preventable deaths could be avoided with early diagnosis, proper treatment, and greater awareness.