People diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had a 71% higher rate of death from any cause than those without the condition, new review published in JAMA Network Open states. The findings highlight health risks that extend beyond ADHD's core symptoms.The study also found higher rates of death by suicide and injuries. ADHD medication, on the other hand, was reported to cause overall lower mortality.Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the University of Liverpool reviewed 19 observational studies involving nearly 16 million people across three continents. Suicide And Injuries Among Key ConcernsThe review found that people with ADHD had an 89% higher rate of death by suicide and a 55% higher rate of death from intentional or unintentional injuries, compared to people without ADHD. Deaths from natural causes, including those related to physical health conditions, were also 27% higher. Researchers said several factors could contribute to these findings. People with ADHD may experience difficulties with impulse control and emotional regulation, as well as higher rates of other mental health conditions. Challenges with attention may also contribute to accidental injuries, including road accidents.Physical health risks due to lifestyle may play a role too. Smoking, alcohol use, substance abuse and accessing healthcare could affect these results.Senior author Professor Joshua Stott of UCL said, “We found that people with ADHD face an increased risk not only of death by suicide and injury, but also of deaths by natural causes, adding to evidence that health inequalities faced by people with ADHD are broad and wide-ranging.”Also read: ADHD: Debunking Common Misconceptions About ADHD ADHD Medication Linked With Lower MortalityThe review found that people with ADHD who took prescribed medication had a 25% lower risk of death from any cause than those who did not take medication.However, this finding was based on only three of the 19 studies included in the review. The researchers said that more research is needed to understand whether medication directly reduces mortality risk.First author Lucy Corrigan of the University of Liverpool said, “Our findings provide early evidence to suggest that medication may play an important role in supporting the health of people with ADHD, but this is based on a small number of studies and further research is needed to clarify this link. And medication is just part of the story; many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support.”Also read: Adult ADHD: How Does It Impact People's Lives? What Are Its Symptoms? More Investigation Needed The researchers said that all the studies included in the review were observational. This means the results show associations and cannot establish that ADHD itself causes early death or that medication prevents it. The studies also differed in their methods and in the size of the risks they reported.Stott said, “ADHD is not by definition a life-limiting condition as the right support and treatment can help people with ADHD to live long and healthy lives. Our findings underscore the importance of ensuring that everyone who may have ADHD has access to accurate diagnosis and treatment. While ADHD diagnosis rates have risen in recent years, they may still lag behind actual prevalence, particularly for older age groups where mortality risk may be most pertinent.”