ADHD Medication Initiation Linked to Lower Mortality: New Data Highlights Reduced Risk in Unnatural Causes

An observational study involving nearly 150,000 individuals with ADHD suggests that treating the condition with medication can have a notable impact, potentially influencing life-and-death outcomes.

Prevalence and Treatment Options for ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood condition that often extends into adolescence and adulthood. Indications involve challenges maintaining focus, controlling behavior, and hyperactivity.

A 2016-2019 survey reveals that millions, particularly children aged 3-17, are diagnosed with ADHD in the US, constituting around 9.8% of the population. More so, a 2016 national parent survey revealed that 6 in 10 children with ADHD also experienced other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Common comorbidities include behavior or conduct problems, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome.

ADHD treatment may encompass behavior therapy and medication. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a combination of both for children aged 6 and above, while behavior therapy is the primary choice for those under 6.

In 2021, approximately 4% of individuals aged 5 to 54 had received stimulant prescriptions, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among young adults and women, according to federal analysis of private insurance records.

READ ALSO: 4 Different Ways ADHD Can Affect Teens and What Parents Can Do to Help

ADHD Medication Tied to Higher Survival Rates

In the study, titled "ADHD Pharmacotherapy and Mortality in Individuals With ADHD" published in JAMA Network, researchers noted that those who received medication demonstrated a slightly higher likelihood of survival over the two-year study period compared to those who did not.

The study conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm acknowledges its limitations in establishing cause and effect but suggests that managing diverse ADHD symptoms may reduce risks associated with impulsive decisions.

The recently published report proposes that ADHD medication could potentially decrease the risk of unnatural-cause mortality by addressing core symptoms and enhancing impulse control and decision-making, particularly in cases of accidental poisoning.

ADHD, once perceived as restlessness in juvenile boys, is now recognized as a brain functioning category affecting individuals of all ages. While behaviors vary, ADHD can complicate daily tasks requiring focus.

Although mostly causing inconvenience or stress, impulsive actions can sometimes lead to disastrous outcomes. Randomized trials indicate that pharmaceutical ADHD treatments reduce injuries, traffic collisions, and crime rates.

Despite potential benefits, ADHD medications are not without risks. Some studies suggest associations with cardiovascular diseases, raising concerns about long-term use. To investigate mortality influences, researchers examined Swedish healthcare registries, identifying 148,578 individuals diagnosed between 2007 and 2018.

Those on medication showed significantly lower mortality rates from both natural and unnatural causes compared to those without prescriptions.

Breakdowns by gender revealed that males on ADHD medication had lower rates of mortality from unnatural causes, while females exhibited lower rates of death from natural causes. The study found limited evidence linking untreated ADHD to early suicide deaths. The observed differences in mortality, though statistically significant, are minor, prompting speculation about underlying factors.

The study cannot explain the relationship but suggests that medication may contribute to safer choices, reducing the risk of natural deaths. Sex differences highlight the need for further exploration to optimize outcomes for both genders with ADHD.

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