How long you live can affect many things, including whether you’re married, single, or divorced. Studies show that people who are married usually live longer than people who are single or divorced. But when someone has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it can change things a lot. ADHD can make it harder to manage emotions, health, and relationships, which might make life shorter.
Research by Dr Russell Barkley found that people with untreated ADHD may live 9 to 13 years less than people without ADHD. This happens because ADHD can lead to risky behaviour, trouble taking care of yourself, and higher chances of accidents or mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Stress from ADHD can also make relationships more difficult, which can affect your health even more.
1. Marriage and life expectancy with ADHD
Being married usually helps people live longer. Studies show that married people have a 9-15% lower chance of dying than those who are single or divorced. Marriage often provides emotional support, healthier habits, and shared money or resources.
But ADHD can make marriage harder. ADHD can lead to problems with communication, impulsivity, and emotions, making it difficult for couples to stay happy. This can sometimes lead to divorce, and divorced men have a 39% higher chance of dying earlier.
2. Single with ADHD: Loneliness and health
For single people, the risks are different. Being single doesn’t automatically mean a shorter life, but loneliness can harm health. People with ADHD often have a more challenging time making and keeping friends, which can make them feel lonely. Loneliness is as bad for your health as smoking, and it can shorten your life.
When single people with ADHD don’t have strong friendships or social connections, they are more likely to feel depressed or anxious, which can also affect how long they live.
3. Divorce, ADHD, and health risks
Divorce can also be challenging for people with ADHD. Men who get divorced are at a 39% higher risk of dying sooner than married men. Women face health problems after divorce, too. ADHD can make it harder to deal with the emotions that come with divorce, like sadness and stress.
The stress of divorce can cause people to stop taking care of themselves. They might make risky decisions or have mental health problems, which can make them less healthy and shorten their life expectancy.
4. How to live a healthier, longer life with ADHD
No matter if you're married, single, or divorced, managing ADHD is important for living a longer and healthier life. Here are some things you can do:
For married couples: Talking openly and clearly with your partner is very important. Therapy and ADHD coaching can help couples deal with ADHD challenges.
For single people: Build good friendships and routines that keep you healthy. Joining groups where people understand ADHD or doing community activities can help stop loneliness.
For divorced people: Focus on taking care of your emotions and health. Talking to a therapist or coach can help you manage the stress of divorce and stay healthy.
Conclusion: How ADHD and relationships affect longevity
ADHD makes the connection between marital status and life expectancy more complicated. Whether you're married, single, or divorced, ADHD creates unique challenges that can affect your health. Getting help and making good choices can improve your health and live longer, no matter your relationship status.
Errin Anderson, Special Guest Writer and Executive Contributor
Errin, a distinguished ADHD coach, embarked on a transformative journey from a life overwhelmed by busyness and burnout to one of purpose and clarity, thanks to effective ADHD management strategies. Initially putting the needs of others before his own, Errin realized the importance of prioritizing his well-being, a pivotal change that marked the beginning of his personal and professional growth.
References:
Barkley, R. A. (2019). "ADHD and Life Expectancy: A Public Health Issue." Journal of Attention Disorders.
Søren Dalsgaard et al. (2015). "Mortality in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD: A nationwide cohort study." The Lancet.
"ADHD and Life Expectancy: Treatment Matters." CHADD, 2019
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