# ADHD linked to 71% higher risk of early death in review of 16 million people; medication cuts risk by a quarter

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/health/adhd-linked-to-71percent-higher-risk-of-early-death-in-review-of-16-million)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 22 Oct 2026
Updated: 22 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 25 Oct 2026

> A review of 19 studies in JAMA Network Open finds the biggest gaps in accidents and injuries, and a 25% lower risk among people on prescribed treatment. What it means for families here.

**People diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) have about a 71% higher risk of dying early than people without it**, according to a review of 19 studies covering almost **16 million people** on three continents, published in *JAMA Network Open*, [ARY News reported](https://arynews.tv/new-review-shows-adhd-diagnosis-links-to-71-percent-higher-mortality-risk). The senior author is **Joshua Stott**, a professor at University College London.

The review also found that people taking **prescribed ADHD medication had a 25% lower risk of death** from any cause than those who were not.

## What the review found

| Cause of death | Higher risk with ADHD |
|---|---|
| All causes | about 71% |
| Injuries, including road accidents | 55% |
| Natural causes, such as diabetes and heart disease | 27% |

The review also found a sharply higher risk of death by suicide, at 89%.

## Why the risk is higher

The experts quoted in the report point to two things rather than the condition itself:

- **Habits:** higher rates of smoking and substance use among people with ADHD.
- **Managing health:** ADHD affects executive function, the brain's planning and organising, which makes it harder to keep doctor's appointments, take medicines on time and manage long-term illnesses.

Stott said ADHD is "not necessarily life-limiting" if people get the right care.

## The caveats

- The studies were **observational**: they show a link, not that ADHD causes early death.
- The medication finding comes from **only three studies**, so the researchers treat it as preliminary.
- The researchers concluded that medication helps but people with ADHD need long-term, all-round support, not just a prescription.

## What it means for families in Pakistan

ADHD is often missed or dismissed here as a child being naughty or lazy, and many adults have never been assessed. The findings point to practical steps: a proper assessment by a psychiatrist or child psychologist, treatment that is followed up rather than stopped after a few months, and extra care with the risks the review highlights, such as driving and road safety for teenagers. Most large public hospitals in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Peshawar run psychiatry outpatient clinics; you can find hospitals near you in our [hospitals directory](/businesses/hospitals).

If you or someone you know is struggling, speak to a doctor or someone you trust.

## Frequently asked questions

**Does ADHD shorten life expectancy?**

A review of 19 studies covering almost 16 million people, published in JAMA Network Open, found about a 71% higher risk of early death in people with ADHD. The studies were observational, so they show a link, not a cause.

**Does ADHD medication reduce the risk?**

A separate analysis in the review found a 25% lower risk of death from any cause among people taking prescribed ADHD medication, though it rests on only three studies.

## Sources

- New review shows ADHD diagnosis links to 71 percent higher mortality risk (21 Oct 2026) (ARY News): https://arynews.tv/new-review-shows-adhd-diagnosis-links-to-71-percent-higher-mortality-risk

How to cite: "ADHD linked to 71% higher risk of early death in review of 16 million people; medication cuts risk by a quarter", Searchable, 22 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/health/adhd-linked-to-71percent-higher-risk-of-early-death-in-review-of-16-million