ADHD in the News: Does ADHD Really Shorten Your Life?

You may have seen the headlines swirling across social media this week:
“People diagnosed with ADHD have significantly shorter lifespans.”

The study behind the buzz comes from The British Journal of Psychiatry, which found that:

• Men diagnosed with ADHD had their life expectancy reduced by 4.5 to 9 years,
• While women saw a reduction of 6.5 to 11 years.

Understandably, this sparked a firestorm of responses—ranging from fear and frustration to defensiveness and disbelief.

So… what’s really going on here?

🩺 Our Take at Calibrate ADHD:

First, let’s be clear: this news is serious, but it’s not hopeless.
The numbers are sobering, but they aren’t a life sentence.

Studies like this one point to a critical truth we already know from experience and decades of research:
Untreated ADHD can come with real risks—but it doesn’t have to.

Without diagnosis or support, people with ADHD are more likely to face:

• Substance use (often used to self-medicate undiagnosed symptoms)
• Impulsive or risk-taking behavior
• Comorbid mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and disordered eating
• Difficulty managing health routines, like sleep, nutrition, or medications

All of which can impact physical health, emotional well-being, and yes—life expectancy.

But here’s the good news:

🌱 ADHD Support Can Be Life-Changing—Literally.

When ADHD is understood and supported, the entire trajectory changes.
Getting diagnosed and receiving care—whether that’s through medication, therapy, or coaching—can reduce risks and improve your quality of life. Dramatically.

At Calibrate ADHD, we believe that living well with ADHD is not only possible—it’s powerful.

Our coaching model helps people:
✅ Discover their brain’s strengths and sensitivities
✅ Build real self-awareness and resilience
✅ Learn reframes and mindset shifts that combat shame
✅ Implement creative, personalized strategies that actually work
✅ Find community and connection with others who get it

❤️ Bottom Line:

Yes, ADHD can be linked to reduced life expectancy.
But no, that doesn’t mean your life will be shorter.

The KEY to living well with ADHD is understanding your brain—and giving it the tools, support, and compassion it deserves.
You don’t have to do it alone.

🔗 Want to Learn More?

Here’s a link to the original article for those curious about the data:
People diagnosed with ADHD have significantly shorter lifespans, study says – MSN

And if you’re ready to explore how ADHD coaching can help you live a longer, fuller, and more aligned life, check out your options or learn about our diagnosis process.