Doctors named the reasons for the decrease in life expectancy in ADHD
In recent years, a number of studies have shown that people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have a lower life expectancy than their peers without this diagnosis. Doctors and experts spoke about the reasons for such statistics and ways to reduce risks. All the details are in the Izvestia article.
As Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory and a neurologist, explained to Izvestia, the difference in life expectancy, according to various studies, can range from 7-9 to 12-13 years. The highest rates are recorded in patients with severe forms of ADHD and concomitant risk factors, including depression, anxiety disorders, and addictions.
We are not talking about the direct impact of the diagnosis on the physical destruction of the body. The main role is played by behavioral and lifestyle factors that can be corrected.
Why does ADHD affect Life Expectancy
According to the expert, with ADHD, it is more difficult for a person to build long-term habits. The systems responsible for self-control, planning and inhibition of impulsive actions are disrupted. This is due to the peculiarities of the frontal brain and neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine and norepinephrine. As a result, the brain is more likely to focus on quick stimuli and short-term pleasure.
In practice, this manifests itself in difficulties with sleep patterns, nutrition, and physical activity. People often choose actions with a quick effect — scrolling social networks, fast food or postponing tasks, which over time forms less healthy behavioral patterns.
Behavioral risks and related conditions
"People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depressive disorder, obesity, addictions, and cardiovascular diseases. All this affects not only the psychological state, but also the level of stress hormones, blood pressure, sleep, eating behavior and life expectancy," said the neurologist.
Irina Krashkina, a psychotherapist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic), PhD, explained that impulsivity and a deficit in the executive functions of the brain increase the likelihood of risky decisions. Among them — ignoring the symptoms of diseases, overeating or bad habits.
According to her, people with ADHD are several times more likely to develop addictions, as the brain strives for immediate dopamine reinforcement. An additional factor is chronic stress, which increases self-control disorders.
How to reduce risks
Experts emphasize that the key role is played not by the diagnosis itself, but by lifestyle and environment. With the right habits, the risks can be significantly reduced. Experts recommend starting with the formation of a stable sleep and wakefulness regime, limiting stimuli before bedtime and gradually introducing rituals of falling asleep. Regular physical activity is also important, which improves brain function and reduces stress levels.
According to doctors, even 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can improve concentration, mood, and sleep quality. The most effective are considered to be simple and regular forms of activity — walking, swimming, running or dancing.
Experts agree that systemic support is especially important for ADHD — a combination of medical supervision, psychotherapy and lifestyle adjustments, which can significantly reduce long-term risks.
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