August 15, 2025, 11:03 am | Read time: 4 minutes
According to a new study, ADHD medications offer much greater benefits than just alleviating the usual symptoms. Especially those affected by recurring problematic behavior patterns such as substance abuse or criminal behavior benefit from them.
The medications appear to have a broader benefit for those with ADHD than just improved concentration and attention: According to a recent study by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the University of Southampton in the UK, they reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance abuse, traffic accidents, and crime. The results, which include data from nearly 150,000 people, were published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).1
What the ADHD Study Was About
The researchers aimed to specifically determine the impact of ADHD medication on other areas of life. They wanted to find out whether the medications reduce risky behaviors such as suicide attempts, drug use, or criminal acts. Estimates suggest that around five percent of children and two and a half percent of adults worldwide are affected by ADHD. Often, behaviors occur simultaneously that heavily burden the lives of those affected and their surroundings. As prescriptions have increased in recent years, there is intense discussion about the effectiveness, safety, and additional benefits of the medications. While their effect on the main ADHD symptoms is well-documented, insights into broader effects have been limited.
Help for Those Affected
The “German Depression Aid” advises openly addressing those affected and helping them contact a doctor or psychotherapist if needed. Sometimes it may also be necessary to take them to a psychiatric emergency room. If you have suicidal thoughts yourself: The crisis hotline at 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 is free and available around the clock. In serious psychological emergencies, you can get help at 113.
Data Sources and Results
For their observational study, the researchers analyzed data from 148,581 individuals aged 6 to 64 years. All had recently been diagnosed with ADHD. Of these, 84,282 (about 57 percent) began medication treatment with the active ingredient methylphenidate (Ritalin). Two years later, the researchers compared the occurrence of certain negative events between the two groups. They considered factors such as age, gender, education level, psychiatric diagnoses, and medical history. It was found that those who took their medication were less frequently affected by the following events:
- Suicidal behavior (–17 percent)
- Substance abuse (–15 percent)
- Traffic accidents (–12 percent)
- Criminal acts (–13 percent)
The effect was particularly pronounced in individuals who had already experienced such problems in the past: In this group, relapse rates were reduced by 25 percent or more.
The team used a method called “target trial emulation” for the analysis. This involves preparing and analyzing observational data as if it came from a randomized controlled trial. This approach is based on clearly defined inclusion criteria, set follow-up periods, and uses statistical methods to balance differences between groups and minimize biases.
Also interesting: How Complex ADHD Manifests in Adults
How Can the Additional Benefits of ADHD Medications Be Explained?
Researcher Samuele Cortese, involved in the study, suspects that improved attention and impulse control due to the medications are responsible for the observed effects. “For example, reduced impulsivity could lower crime by curbing aggressive behavior, while increased attention could reduce the risk of traffic accidents by minimizing distractions,” he explains in a statement from the University of Southampton.2 This benefits especially those with recurring behavior patterns, such as drug relapses or repeated offenses. While the medications did not reduce the risk of a first accident injury, they did lower the likelihood of recurring injuries.
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Limitations of the Study
The study is the first to examine the positive benefits of ADHD medications on other areas of life. However, the researchers acknowledge some limitations. It remains an observational study. Despite careful balancing calculations, other factors such as the severity of ADHD, living conditions, or genetic risks could not be considered. Additionally, no data on non-medication treatments, such as behavioral therapies, were included. Study leader Dr. Zheng Chang still considers the findings robust: “There is currently a discussion about whether methylphenidate should be included in the World Health Organization’s model list of essential medicines. We hope these research results will contribute to this debate.”
Further Open Questions
The study shows clear short-term benefits of ADHD medications. But do these effects persist after five or ten years? Is long-term use still safe? The study also does not include data on behavioral therapies or coaching. Could these be just as effective as ADHD medications? Or could the positive effect be further enhanced in combination? FITBOOK has directly addressed these questions to study leader Dr. Zheng Chang. His response: “These are very important points. But unfortunately, we don’t know much about them from our data and from practice in general.” The research is still in its infancy in this regard. “Now it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible and find out more,” emphasizes the scientist.