Treating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Matters

This study used electronic health records (EHRs) data in a way that approximates a randomized clinical trial (RCT) to assess mortality rates by ADHD medication status over time. Individuals consistently treated with ADHD medication were compared with those who did not receive ADHD medication on 3 outcomes over a 2-year follow-up period: all-cause mortality, natural-cause mortality (eg, medical conditions), and unnatural-cause mortality (eg, accidental injuries, accidental poisoning, and suicide). Overall, those who initiated ADHD medication had a reduced risk for all-cause mortality and unnatural-cause mortality (but not natural-cause mortality) over the 2-year period, except for females, in whom only a reduction in natural-cause mortality was observed.
Source: JAMA - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research