It is reducing the deaths from accidents or overdoses.
New research suggests that individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience a notable decrease in their two-year risk of mortality upon commencing medication. This decline is particularly pronounced for deaths resulting from accidents and drug overdoses. Moreover, individuals taking ADHD medications do not exhibit a higher risk of death from natural causes, indicating the safety of these medications concerning heart health.
The study, led by Zheng Chang of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, posits that medications such as Ritalin and Concerta potentially mitigate the risk of premature death by addressing the core symptoms of ADHD and associated psychiatric comorbidities. By enhancing impulse control and decision-making, these medications assist individuals in avoiding fatal accidents and drug overdoses.
Previous research has indicated that individuals with ADHD face double the risk of death from unnatural causes, including accidents, suicide, and unintended drug overdoses. Given the hesitancy some individuals experience regarding the initiation of ADHD medications, the study aimed to explore whether these medications could mitigate mortality risks.
Drawing data from various Swedish health registries, Chang’s team analyzed the medical records of nearly 149,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 6 and 64. Within three months of diagnosis, approximately 57% of the cohort began ADHD medication, while the remaining 43% did not. Over a two-year period post-diagnosis, the health outcomes of all patients were monitored.
The study revealed that initiating ADHD medication was associated with a 21% reduction in deaths from all causes compared to those who did not take medication. The benefit was even more pronounced (25% reduction) for deaths from unnatural causes. However, the reduction in deaths from natural causes, such as heart disease and cancer, was less significant at 14%, although still reassuring regarding cardiovascular safety concerns.
The most substantial reduction in deaths from unnatural causes stemmed from a 53% decrease in fatal drug overdoses among individuals taking ADHD medication compared to those who did not. This finding aligns with the role of ADHD medications in preventing the onset of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study underscores the potential benefits of ADHD medications in reducing mortality risks, especially from unnatural causes. Despite focusing on two-year health outcomes, the study suggests a sustained reduction in the risk of unnatural deaths even five years post-diagnosis. Future research aims to assess the long-term effects and potential adverse effects of ADHD medication.
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