A recent population-based study (published in early 2024) has provided compelling evidence that ADHD medication can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and untimely death among young people with ADHD. The study, titled "ADHD medications use and risk of mortality and unintentional injuries: a population-based cohort study," examined data from over 217,000 individuals aged 1 to 24 years.

Key Insights from the Study

Study Purpose and Design

Researchers aimed to assess whether ADHD medication affects the risk of all-cause mortality (death from any cause) and unintentional injuries leading to emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admissions. The study spanned from 2000 to 2021 and used health data from Quebec, tracking people from their ADHD diagnosis or medication prescription until they turned 25, died, or the study ended.

The research study was published in 2024, and the link can be found at the end of this blog.

Key Findings

Overall Reduced Risk

The study found that young adults taking ADHD medication had a lower risk of all causes of death as well as less unintentional injuries compared to those not on medication.

Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants

Stimulants include medications like Adderall (amphetamine salts), Vyvanse and Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Ritalin and Concerta (methylphenidate), Focalin, and Dexedrine. Non-stimulant medications include drugs like Strattera (atomoxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), guanfacine, and clonidine.

• Stimulants: Use of stimulant medications was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of both injury and death.

• Non-Stimulants: Non-stimulant medications also reduced the risk of unintentional injuries, but not death.

• Combination of Stimulants and Non-Stimulants: This combination reduced the risk of accidental injury but had no significant effect - positive or negative - on death.

  
  

Overall, the study supports the claim that ADHD medication can literally save lives.

Crude Rates

The average crude rates of all-cause mortality per 1000-person years were:

• 0.26 for those on ADHD medication.

• 0.48 for those not on medication.

• 0.49 for those not covered under the public drug plan.

Similarly, the average crude rates of injuries leading to emergency room visits were lower for ADHDers on prescription medication compared to unmedicated ADHDers.

👉 Crude rates are like calculating the average number of times something happens in a group of people over a certain period. For example, if we look at how often injuries occur in a year for every 1000 people, that's a crude rate. It doesn't adjust for other factors like age or health conditions, but gives a straightforward number to show how common an event is.

Interpretation

The researchers suggest that ADHD medications, particularly stimulants, may have a "protective effect" on young adults with ADHD, lowering the risk of both early death and unintentional injuries. This positive effect might be due to better management of ADHD symptoms, leading to fewer risky behaviors and accidents.

Medicated ADHDers likely have better control over:

• Impulsive behaviors

• Decision-making

• Attention span and distractibility

  
  

• Hyperactivity and restlessness

• Emotional dysregulation and anger

Being able to better manage these kinds of symptoms and behaviors can greatly reduce the likelihood of someone with ADHD finding themselves in a compromising or dangerous situation.

👉 I would like to note that while this study only focused on a young adult population, the findings can likely still be applied to adults and older adults, meaning that ADHD medication can prevent injuries and untimely death in anyone with ADHD. That said, it would be helpful for researchers to investigate additional age groups in the future to confirm this.

Implications for Treatment

The findings from the study highlight the importance of considering ADHD medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD kids, teens, and adults. For parents and healthcare providers, the study emphasizes the benefits of medication in reducing serious risks associated with ADHD behaviors.

Let's wrap this up.

This study provides valuable insights into the benefits of ADHD medication beyond symptom management. By reducing the risks of injuries and untimely death, ADHD medication can play a crucial role in improving the overall safety and well-being of people with ADHD.

As always, ADHD treatment decisions should be made on your own accord after consulting with a healthcare professional you trust, and you should always weigh the benefits and potential risks before making your decision.

Recommended reading:

How to talk to your doctor about trying ADHD medication.

STUDY: ADHD medications use and risk of mortality and unintentional injuries: a population-based cohort study