The Scary Link Between ADHD and Life Expectancy
Attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or often dismissed. Those things have consequences. According to a recent study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, adults with diagnosed ADHD have a shorter life expectancy—7 years less for men and almost 9 years less for women.
Let’s break down the key facts about ADHD (including ADHD life expectancy), its connection to other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, and why getting the right diagnosis matters.
Fact #1: ADHD Isn’t Just for Kids
Nearly 3% of adults have ADHD, yet most remain undiagnosed. Why? ADHD is often mistaken for other issues, such as anxiety, depression, or even personality traits like being scatterbrained. Women, in particular, tend to exhibit more internal symptoms—like daydreaming, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation—instead of the hyperactivity seen in young boys. This leads to many women not receiving a diagnosis until later in life.
Fact #2: People with ADHD Have a Shorter Life Expectancy
Some good news here: Researchers believe this is largely due to risk factors within your control: bad decisions, risky behavior, and unmet support and treatment needs. The study focused on adults with diagnosed ADHD, meaning the findings may not apply to the broader population—most of whom remain undiagnosed. However, this highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, early detection, and better treatment options.
Fact #3: ADHD and Bipolar Disorder Have a Lot in Common
ADHD and bipolar disorder share many symptoms, including mood swings, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. However, ADHD is a persistent condition that affects daily life in a stable way. Bipolar disorder is episodic, meaning symptoms come and go in distinct phases. This overlap often leads to misdiagnosis and treatment delays.
“There’s just so much overlap,” says Kelly Ryan, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of psychiatry at Michigan Medicine. “If you don’t have a psychiatric provider who understands both, it may be harder for them to really flush out. There’s probably a lot of misdiagnosis.”
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In addition, ADHD starts in childhood, though it often isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically emerge in the late teens or early 20s.
Fact #4: Wild Mood Swings Can Be ADHD Too
Both ADHD and bipolar disorder can cause extreme mood changes, but there’s a key difference. Bipolar disorder involves cycles of depression and mania and hypomania, which can last for days or weeks. ADHD, on the other hand, is associated with emotional dysregulation, leading to quick mood shifts that might seem unpredictable but are often tied to frustration or external stimuli.
“With bipolar 2, you’ll probably see more difficulties with attention during the depression phases or during those hypomanic [episodes], so it may not be this persistently low attention,” says Dr. Ryan.
Fact #5: ADHD Symptoms Go Beyond Trouble Focusing
Forgetfulness, distraction, difficulty staying on task, urge to keep moving, and constantly seeking stimulation are all hallmark signs of ADHD. This hyperactivity is persistent and can be accompanied by grandiosity or risky behavior — which, again, partly explains the connection between ADHD and life expectancy.
In addition, the constant state of high alert can trigger anxiety or depression. “When people have inattentional problems because of ADHD, they get frustrated in their life,” explains psychiatrist Po Wang, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. “And then you can get mood symptoms or anxiety.”
Fact #6: ADHD Runs in Families
Nearly half of parents who have children with ADHD also show signs of the condition. If you suspect you or a loved one may have ADHD or bipolar disorder, looking at family history can provide valuable clues.
Fact #7: ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed, Especially in Women
Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed because their symptoms don’t match the hyperactive stereotype. Instead, they may struggle with chronic disorganization, emotional sensitivity, low self-esteem, and difficulties with time management. This often leads to misdiagnoses of anxiety or depression, delaying proper treatment. Understanding how ADHD presents differently in women is key to improving diagnosis and care.
Fact #8: ADHD Treatments Can Trigger Bipolar Disorder
ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medications, but these can trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. That’s why a careful, individualized approach is crucial. Mood stabilizers or antipsychotics are typically used for bipolar disorder, sometimes alongside ADHD medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective treatment for both conditions, helping to manage emotional regulation and impulsivity.
Fact #9: An ADHD Misdiagnosis Can Have Consequences
Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective or even harmful treatment. If you suspect you have ADHD, bipolar disorder, or both, seeking a thorough evaluation from a psychiatrist or neuropsychologist is essential. An accurate diagnosis requires clinical expertise and a full symptom assessment.
Fact #10: ADHD Can Be Effectively Treated
Living with ADHD can be challenging, but proper treatment makes a world of difference. With the right medication, therapy, and support system, people with ADHD can lead fulfilling, successful, and yes, long lives. “I think that having an illness that could be treated, and not recognizing it, and not getting treated, is really a disservice,” Dr. Wang says. “Plenty of people struggle. They just sort of suck it up and think it’s some kind of thing they’re just not working hard on.”
The key is understanding your symptoms, advocating for yourself, and finding a mental health professional who truly understands this complex condition.
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