Life expectancy/years of life lost in adults w ADHD in UK: matched cohort study

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overview of study discussion

  • Study cited as showing UK adults with diagnosed ADHD lose ~6.8 years (men) and ~8.6 years (women) of life expectancy.
  • Several note confidence intervals overlap; unclear if male–female difference is statistically robust.
  • Many emphasize authors’ point that ADHD itself is unlikely sole cause; modifiable factors (smoking, accidents, mental/physical health, unmet treatment) are implicated.

Stress, executive dysfunction, and comorbidities

  • Multiple ADHD adults describe chronic stress from impaired executive function: knowing what to do but “can’t make yourself do it.”
  • This produces shame, social conflict, damaged relationships, and contributes to depression and anxiety.
  • Some use procrastination-induced anxiety as a “fuel” for productivity, which eventually breaks down physically and mentally.

Risk, accidents, and causes of early death

  • Commenters list higher rates of:
    • Car crashes and unintentional injuries.
    • Risky behaviors, substance abuse, and self-medication.
    • Suicide and possibly homicide victimization.
  • Impulsivity, poor conflict response, and higher risk tolerance are suggested mechanisms; some describe dangerously confrontational behavior in violent situations.

Medication: benefits, harms, and uncertainty

  • Several argue ADHD meds are among the most effective in psychiatry and reduce “unnatural deaths.”
  • Others report severe adverse experiences with amphetamines: personality changes, addiction-like behavior, cardiovascular issues.
  • Alternatives mentioned: methylphenidate, NRIs, alpha‑2A agonists, modafinil, non-stimulants (with their own cardiac risks).
  • Tension between short‑term gains and unclear long‑term outcomes; some call for decades‑long follow‑up studies.

Non‑drug strategies and “hacking” ADHD

  • Reported approaches: neurofeedback (one claims dramatic improvement), CBT, breathing exercises, walking, rigorous habit-building, simplifying lifestyle, early/partial retirement, aligning jobs with novelty and learning.
  • Mixed results: some feel nothing non‑pharmacological “moves the needle” enough.

Gender, subtypes, and diagnosis

  • Discussion that women are underdiagnosed; diagnosed women may represent more severe/inattentive cases.
  • Speculation that inattentive type may correlate with more depression/anxiety, hyperactive type with more lifelong physical activity.
  • No consensus; acknowledged as speculative.

Societal fit, stigma, and systems

  • Many argue modern systems (school, work, road rules, healthcare) are built around neurotypical brains, making ADHD a constant mismatch.
  • Culture of “just do the unpleasant thing” is seen as especially punishing; choice framed as “chronic stress vs. rejecting society.”
  • Strong reports of stigma from clinicians and pharmacists; underdiagnosis and provider bias seen as major barriers.
  • One clinician-like commenter calls adult ADHD “one of the most disabling” disorders and stresses huge economic costs and need for provider education.

Perceived strengths and evolutionary/speculative views

  • Some argue ADHD can confer advantages (fast reactions in emergencies, novel idea connections, historic “forager” benefits).
  • Others reject the “gift” framing, saying any strengths are overwhelmed by functional impairment and social penalties.