A recent study conducted in Sweden has revealed a significant association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication and reduced mortality risk among individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

The findings of this study, published in the journal JAMA, shed light on the potential benefits of pharmacotherapy in managing ADHD symptoms and mitigating adverse health outcomes.

Lower Mortality Rates of Unnatural Causes Among Medicated Individuals

The study, led by researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, focused on nearly 150,000 Swedish residents aged 6 to 64 who received a diagnosis of ADHD between 2007 and 2018.

By analyzing national healthcare registries, the researchers tracked mortality rates among individuals with ADHD and compared those who initiated medication within three months of diagnosis to those who did not.

Key findings from the study revealed that individuals who initiated ADHD medication experienced a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not receive medication.

The study revealed a mortality rate of 48 deaths per 10,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD who did not receive medication, contrasting with 39 deaths per 10,000 individuals who did receive medication, representing a notable 19% reduction in the two-year mortality risk.

The study observed a significant decrease in mortality risk from unnatural causes, such as accidents, suicides, and drug overdoses, among individuals prescribed ADHD medication.

However, Dr. Lin Li, the lead author of the study from the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Karolinska Institutet, said that the link between ADHD medication and mortality from natural causes, such as physical health conditions, was comparatively weaker.

"The study showed that there is a link between initiation of medication and a lower risk of death. This was true regardless of the cause of death, but the risk of dying from unnatural causes, such as alcohol and drug overdose, decreased the most," she explained. "The association was not as strong for the risk of dying from natural causes as physical health condition."

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More Research Needed on Long-Term Effects of ADHD Medications

While ADHD medications have demonstrated benefits in symptom management and reducing the risk of fatal events, such as accidents and overdoses, researchers also acknowledge the need to consider potential adverse effects associated with long-term medication use.

Previous research has raised concerns about the cardiovascular risks associated with ADHD medications, including hypertension and arterial diseases.

Dr. Zheng Chang, a senior researcher at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the last author of the study, highlighted the importance of further investigating the long-term effects and mechanisms of ADHD medications.

"It will be crucial to establish whether the benefits we have seen in this study will persist over time. We will also try to identify any additional adverse effects associated with long-term medication," Chang said.

Furthermore, the research team intends to investigate the effects and mechanisms of various types of ADHD medications, exploring how factors such as dosage, treatment duration, and sex differences may influence their efficacy and outcomes.

By understanding the nuances of these, Chang believes healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to optimize benefits while minimizing risks for individuals with ADHD.

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