Why do adults with ADHD have a shorter life expectancy?

Why in the NEWS?

• U.K. A new study has been published in the British Journal of Psychiatry on ADHD and adult life expectancy in?

Key Points:

• A new study conducted in the United Kingdom sheds light on the life expectancy of adults affected by ADHD.
• This analysis was conducted while taking into account risks and health problems related to ADHD, which affect life expectancy.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. What is in this study?
2. What is ADHD?
3. Main types of ADHD:
4. Causes of ADHD:
5. Key aspects of ADHD treatment:
6. What is British Journal of Psychiatry?
   

What is in this study?

• Adults with ADHD have a shorter life expectancy than adults without ADHD.
• Men with ADHD die about seven years earlier on average.
• Women with ADHD live about nine years less on average.

What is ADHD?

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.

Symptoms:

• Inattention: Inability to concentrate.
• Hyperactivity: Excessive movements that are not conducive to normal life.
• Impulsivity: Quick actions that are done without thinking.

Main types of ADHD:

Inattentive presentation:

• In this type of ADHD, the person faces challenges in staying on task, focusing, and organization.

Symptoms:

• Lack of attention to details and making careless mistakes.
• Difficulty concentrating for long periods of time.
• Often leaving tasks unfinished and not being able to finish tasks on time.
• Forgetting daily tasks, such as household chores, answering phone calls, keeping appointments, etc.

Hyperactive/impulsive presentation:

• Hyperactivity includes excessive activity such as restlessness, excess energy, and not sitting still.

Symptoms:

• Flexible arm movements, fidgeting in seat.
• Running or climbing in inappropriate places.
• Always being active, as if being driven by a motor.
• Interrupting others or using other people's things without permission.

Combined presentation:

• This type occurs when both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are present.

Causes of ADHD:

• Specific causes not identified:
  • Scientists have not yet identified specific causes of ADHD.
• Genetics:
  • Genetics play an important role in ADHD.
  • Several genes have been linked to the disorder.
  • No specific gene or gene combination has been identified as the cause of the disorder.
• Influence in relatives:
  • Relatives of individuals affected with ADHD are often also affected by the disorder, indicating a genetic influence.
• Physical differences in the brain:
  • Children with ADHD have physical differences in the brain.
  • They have less gray and white brain matter.
• Affected brain areas:
  • The frontal lobes of the brain, caudate nucleus, and cerebellar vermis are affected in ADHD.
• Non-genetic factors:
  • Low birth weight and premature birth may increase the risk of ADHD.
  • Exposure to toxins (such as alcohol, smoking, lead) during pregnancy may also contribute to the development of ADHD.
  • Excessive stress during pregnancy may also increase the risk of this disorder.

Key aspects of ADHD treatment:

• Combination of treatments:
  • Treatment of ADHD is usually a combination of therapy and medication.
• Initial treatment:
  • For preschool-age and younger children, includes behavioural strategies in the form of parenting, management training, and school interventions.
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT):
  • This is an evidence-based therapy method, aimed at helping children with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
• Stimulant medications:
  • Amphetamine and methylphenidate are pharmacological treatments for the management of ADHD.
  • Amphetamine is the only medication approved by the FDA for preschool-age children, although methylphenidate may be recommended as a helpful alternative.

What is British Journal of Psychiatry?

• The British Journal of Psychiatry is a well-regarded peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research in the field of psychiatry. 
• It is a leading source for new developments in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders. 

Publication Focus:

• The journal covers a wide range of topics related to psychiatry, including but not limited to mental health, psychiatric disorders, therapeutic interventions, neurobiology, psychology, and psychiatric policy.

Research Areas:

• The British Journal of Psychiatry publishes original research, reviews, clinical studies, and commentaries. 
• It includes work on conditions like schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders.
• It also explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health issues.

Impact Factor:

• The journal has a significant impact in the field of psychiatry. 
• Its articles are highly cited in scientific research, contributing to advancements in psychiatric practices and mental health care.

Open Access & Subscription:

• While the British Journal of Psychiatry is primarily a subscription-based journal, it also provides some open-access articles, allowing broader access to important psychiatric research.

Editorial Board:

• The journal is edited by a group of experts in psychiatry from around the world, ensuring a high standard of scientific integrity and academic rigor.

Target Audience:

• The British Journal of Psychiatry is read by mental health professionals, psychiatrists, psychologists, researchers, and students in the field of psychiatry and related disciplines.

Publisher:

• The journal is published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, a leading professional organization for psychiatrists in the UK.