Childhood ADHD Traits Foreshadow Greater Health Struggles in Midlife

A large UK cohort study of about 10,930 people followed from childhood found that higher ADHD traits at age 10 are linked to more physical health problems and disability by midlife (age 46). Those with elevated ADHD traits had 14% higher odds of two or more conditions (including migraine, back pain, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes) and 42% reported two or more health problems versus 37% with lower trait scores; associations were partly explained by mental health issues, higher BMI, and smoking, with stronger effects in women. The findings emphasize the need for better ADHD recognition, ongoing health monitoring, and accessible support across adulthood.