The Influence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Adult Mortality and Morbidity

• In Event: 480 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 04. Autism

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ADHD and adult mortality over a four-year period, and whether ADHD is associated with underlying cause of death (accidents versus all others). If ADHD increases mortality risk through accidents, then interventions may be designed and implemented to reduce risk and prevent premature death. We estimate descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models using data from the 2007 U.S. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Sample Adult File linked to National Death Index (NDI) data through 2011 (N=23,352). Analyses are weighted and standard errors are adjusted for the complex sampling design. We find that the odds of dying are significantly higher among those with ADHD than among those without ADHD (odds ratio=1.85; 95% confidence interval=1.06, 3.23) net of demographic controls. Accidents are a more common underlying cause of death among those with ADHD than among those without ADHD (13.2% versus 4.3%, p=0.052). Few population-representative studies examine the relationship between ADHD and adult mortality due to data limitations. Using NHIS data linked to the NDI, we are only able to observe a small number of deaths among adults with ADHD. However, ADHD is associated with a significantly higher odds of dying for adults and accidents are more often listed as an underlying cause of death for decedents with ADHD. Future research should examine the mechanisms linking ADHD to adult mortality and whether mortality among persons with ADHD is preventable. Regular measurement of ADHD among adults in the NHIS is warranted. NOTE: Morbidity analysis to be added.

Authors

• Andrew S. London, Syracuse University

• Scott D. Landes, University of North Florida