A study led by University College London (UCL) and University of Liverpool researchers indicates that individuals exhibiting ADHD traits at age 10 are more likely to experience physical health problems and report physical health-related disability by age 46.
Study Overview
The researchers propose that these findings likely reflect the impact of various risk factors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the societal response to individuals with ADHD throughout adulthood. The new paper, published in JAMA Network Open, is noted as one of the largest studies with the most years of follow-up concerning childhood ADHD traits and later health outcomes.
Data from 10,930 participants of the UCL-led 1970 British Cohort Study, a longitudinal study, were analyzed. ADHD traits were determined at age 10 based on child behavior questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, regardless of a formal diagnosis.
Key Findings
The study found that individuals with high scores on the index of ADHD traits at age 10 had a 14% higher likelihood of reporting two or more physical health problems by age 46. These problems included conditions such as migraine, back problems, cancer, epilepsy, or diabetes. Among those with high childhood ADHD traits, 42% had two or more health problems in midlife, compared to 37% of those without high ADHD traits.
Furthermore, participants with high ADHD traits at age 10 were also more likely to experience physical health-related disability at age 46, defined as reporting problems with work or other daily activities due to their physical health.
Explanatory Factors and Implications
The analysis suggests that increased mental health problems, higher BMI, and higher smoking rates among people with ADHD partly explained these poorer health outcomes. Other studies indicate that individuals with ADHD are also more prone to stressful life events, social exclusion, and may have less timely access to screening and medical care.
The link between childhood ADHD traits and physical health-related disability appeared to be stronger among women than men.
Professor Joshua Stott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) stated that while people with ADHD can thrive with appropriate support, such support is often lacking due to a shortage of tailored services and underdiagnosis, particularly in midlife and older individuals. Lead author Dr. Amber John emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and support to improve both physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with ADHD, suggesting that public health strategies should consider their needs to make screening programs and ongoing health monitoring more accessible.