Childhood signs of ADHD increase the risk of developing diseases in middle age.
Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibited in childhood are associated with an increased risk of various health problems in middle age. This conclusion was reached by researchers who analyzed data from a large British cohort study. The results of the study were published in JAMA Network Open.
The scientists used data from the 1970 British Cohort Study, which tracked the health of 10,930 individuals from birth to age 46. Signs of ADHD were assessed at age 10 based on questionnaires from parents and teachers, regardless of whether an official diagnosis had been made.
The analysis showed that individuals with more pronounced signs of ADHD in childhood were more likely to face multiple chronic diseases by midlife. Among participants without pronounced symptoms, about 38 percent had two or more diagnoses, while among those with the most noticeable childhood signs of ADHD, approximately 42 percent did. This includes, in particular, migraines, back pain, diabetes, epilepsy, and cancer.
Additionally, participants with childhood signs of ADHD more frequently reported limitations in daily activities—difficulties with work and routine tasks due to health conditions. This effect was found to be more pronounced in women than in men.
The researchers emphasize that the link between ADHD and physical ill-being is partially explained by coexisting factors—higher body mass index, smoking, and psychological distress in adulthood. According to the authors, the results highlight the importance of early detection of ADHD and long-term support that can reduce health risks in the future.
