New study makes alarming claim about women who’ve been diagnosed with ADHD
Topics: Health, NHS, Women's Health, Advice, Science
Mia Williams
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, NHS, Women's Health, Advice, Science
New research has made discoveries about women with ADHD, and the claims could be alarming.
It has been said that 3-4% of the UK population suffers with the hyperactivity disorder.
It causes symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, being hyperactive, or acting impulsively - but it presents itself differently in every person.
However, new research has suggested that ADHD could affect women more than men in one specific way.
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Josh Stott, one of the study’s authors, has noted that certain ADHD behaviours could put sufferers at greater risk.
He noted: "People with ADHD, we know from the literature, are more likely to take risks and live with difficulties with impulsivity, which means that they may also be more likely to develop addictive behaviours like smoking, drinking and perhaps eating more than they should."
The research has suggested that having the condition could be linked to a decreased life expectancy - but more so for women.
This means that women with ADHD could be living shorter lives than their male equivalents.
The study suggests that the condition takes off almost nine years of life for women, and seven years for men.
However, it isn't ADHD itself which is likely to be the reason for the gap in life expectancy.
It's the impulsive behaviours that come with the condition.
Stott added: "All of those things are kind of associated with health risks later."
People who have ADHD are also more susceptible to suffering with mental health issues.
Liz O’Nions, lead author of the study, said: "Our research may over-estimate the life expectancy gap for people with ADHD overall, though more community-based research is needed to test whether this is the case."
While the stats suggest that a low number of adults and children suffer with the condition in the UK, the study highlights that there are far more people suffering without a diagnosis.
Oliver Howes, a professor of molecular psychiatry at King’s College London, noted: "These findings highlight the need for much more investment in mental health services so people can get the help they need."
It's also important to note that other studies have shown an even greater mortality risk than this for people with ADHD.
The research concluded: "The evidence that people with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should is extremely concerning, and highlights unmet support needs that require urgent attention."