Do you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Then a new study is telling you to pay more attention to your disorder as it may increase your risk of dying early.
Before you proceed, know that the researchers have not created this study to increase fear and anxiety. In fact, the odds of dying because of ADHD still remain very low at 3 for every 1,000. However, because of the nature and what usually accompanies the disorder, the risk can go up.
According to such study, people with ADHD may experience premature death at least twice that of men and women without the disorder. The risk also increases for those who have been diagnosed when they are already at least 18 years old.
The researchers from Lundbeck Foundation, Yale University's Child Study Center, and Aarhus University with Dr. Soren Dalsgaard in the lead looked into the records of around 2 million people between the years of 1981 and 2011.
Upon analysis in 2013, they found out that among the group, at least 32,000 had been diagnosed with ADHD, but more than a hundred of them didn't make it 35. Although these numbers were quite low, when compared to the general population's mortality rate, the figures turned out to be twice higher. It's also the same statistic even if factors such as history of psychiatric assessments were included in the adjustments.
Moreover, at least 80 cases of deaths can be confirmed, of which 54 were due to unnatural causes, and the leading reason was automobile accidents at 78%. According to the research, acting on impulse plays a key role. Some experts also cite that the disorder is often accompanied by other problems such as an anti-social personality and drug abuse.
The research, which the team believed to be well done, should provide warning signs for people with ADHD so they can already get the treatment they need as quickly and as consistently as possible.