People who show attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits in childhood are more likely to experience poorer physical health and health-related disability by midlife, according to a major longitudinal study led by researchers at University College London. Drawing on more than four decades of data, the research adds to growing evidence that ADHD is associated with lifelong health inequalities, not just cognitive or behavioural challenges.
ADHD & Physical Health Outcomes
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study analysed data from the 1970 British Cohort Study, which has followed individuals born across England, Scotland and Wales during a single week in 1970. Researchers examined 10,930 participants with complete data from birth to age 46.
ADHD traits were measured at age 10 using validated questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, regardless of whether participants ever received a formal diagnosis. Physical health outcomes at age 46 included self-reported conditions such as migraines, back problems, cancer, epilepsy and diabetes, alongside physical multimorbidity (two or more co-existing conditions) and health-related disability affecting work or daily activities.
The findings showed a clear association between higher ADHD traits in childhood and worse physical health in midlife. Higher ADHD traits were linked to a greater number of physical health conditions, a 14% increase in the odds of multimorbidity, and higher levels of physical health-related disability. Among those likely to have had ADHD in childhood, 42.1% had two or more physical health conditions by age 46, compared with 37.5% of those without ADHD traits.
ADHD as a Lifelong Condition
Senior author Joshua Stott noted that while people with ADHD can thrive with appropriate support, this is often lacking due to underdiagnosis, particularly in midlife and older adults, and limited tailored services. While factors such as smoking, body mass index and psychological distress partially explained the association, increased health risks remained even after accounting for these.
The researchers argue that clinicians and policymakers should recognise ADHD as a lifelong condition with significant physical health implications. Earlier screening, preventative care, and targeted interventions addressing both health behaviours and social disadvantage could help reduce long-term health inequalities for people with ADHD.
