JAMA Netw Open

Childhood ADHD traits linked to poorer physical health in adulthood

January 22, 2026

In a 46‑year cohort study of 10,930 participants, higher ADHD trait scores at age 10 were associated with more physical health conditions, increased odds of multimorbidity, and greater physical health–related disability by age 46. Risk factors—including smoking, psychological distress, higher BMI, and lower educational attainment—partially explained these associations. Individuals with a high likelihood of childhood ADHD had a 42% probability of multimorbidity in midlife vs. 38% for those without high ADHD traits. Associations with disability were stronger in women.

Clinical takeaway: Early identification and sustained risk‑factor management may help reduce midlife health disparities linked to childhood ADHD traits.

Source:

Stott J, et al. (2026, January 2). JAMA Netw Open. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Traits in Childhood and Physical Health in Midlife. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41563757/