Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Common disorder linked to 70% higher death rate, but medication may offer protection

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Common disorder linked to 70% higher death rate, but medication may offer protection · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

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  Hello and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  I'm your host, Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow.
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  Today, we're diving into a significant new study published in JAMA Network Open that sheds
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  light on the increased mortality risks associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
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  Disorder, commonly known as ADHD.
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  This study reveals some concerning statistics but also offers a glimpse of hope through
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  medical intervention.
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  The research in question reviewed data from an impressive 19 observational studies, involving
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  nearly 16 million individuals across three continents.
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  The findings indicate that people diagnosed with ADHD face a 71% higher overall risk of
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  early death compared to those without the condition.
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  This increased risk encompasses both unnatural causes, such as injuries and suicide, and
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  natural causes, including physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease and
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  diabetes.
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  Senior author Joshua Stott, a professor of aging and clinical psychology at University
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  College London, highlighted the broad and wide-ranging health inequalities faced by
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  individuals with ADHD.
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  He noted the alarming statistics showing that the risk of death from suicide nearly doubles,
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  and there is a 55% higher risk of dying from intentional or unintentional injuries, such as
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  motor vehicle accidents, compared to those without ADHD.
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  Furthermore, the study identified a 27% higher risk of death from natural causes among people
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  with ADHD.
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  These natural causes are often tied to long-term health risks like smoking and
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  substance use, as well as executive function challenges that make it more difficult to
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  manage chronic conditions and adhere to treatment plans.
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  Now, here's where the study offers a silver lining.
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  It found that taking prescribed ADHD medication is associated with a 25% lower risk of death
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  from any cause among individuals with the condition.
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  This suggests that effective treatment may mitigate some behavioral effects and health
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  risks associated with ADHD.
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  However, it is important to note that these findings on medication stem from only three of
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  the 19 studies reviewed, indicating the need for further research to confirm this
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  association.
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  First author Lucy Corrigan from the University of Liverpool emphasized that medication is just
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  one part of the equation.
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  Many people with ADHD benefit from comprehensive, long-term treatment and support.
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  This underscores the importance of ensuring access to accurate diagnosis and appropriate
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  treatment for those with ADHD.
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  As always, while this study provides valuable insights, it is crucial to understand that the
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  results show associations rather than direct cause-and-effect relationships.
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  The variability in diagnostic criteria and healthcare access across studies means that
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  more research is needed to fully understand these links.
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  That's all for today's episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  Thank you for tuning in.
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  Remember to stay informed and proactive about your health.
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  Until next time, take care and stay healthy.