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Childhood ADHD Traits Raise Adult Physical Illness Risk
22 Jan
Summary
- Childhood ADHD traits increase the likelihood of physical health issues by age 46.
- Women with ADHD traits showed a higher association with physical health disability.
- Mental health issues, higher BMI, and smoking partly explain poorer health outcomes.
A study following over 10,000 individuals from 1970 has revealed a significant link between childhood ADHD traits and physical health problems later in life. Those displaying ADHD characteristics at age 10 were found to be 14% more likely to report two or more physical health issues, such as migraines or diabetes, by the age of 46.
Furthermore, the research indicated that the likelihood of experiencing physical multimorbidity by age 46 was estimated at 42% for children with high ADHD traits, compared to 37% for those without. This association was found to be more pronounced in women regarding physical health-related disability.
Researchers suggest that several factors contribute to these poorer health outcomes. These include increased mental health challenges, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), greater smoking rates, experiences of stressful life events, and reduced access to timely medical care among individuals with ADHD. These factors are thought to be exacerbated by difficulties with impulse control and the intense need for instant gratification associated with ADHD.
