Recent scientific evidence underscores an important link between adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and cardiometabolic disease—including obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases—with implications for prognosis, treatment adherence, and long-term health. The TIMESPAN project is at the forefront of this field, working across real-world data, remote monitoring technology, genetics, and machine learning to develop personalised care strategies.
Evidence at the Intersection
ADHD in adults shows shared genetic factors with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—underscoring a significant clinical and biological overlap. Women with cardiometabolic illness are more likely to have undiagnosed ADHD, and psychiatric comorbidities further complicate diagnosis and care. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted within TIMESPAN have reinforced the association between ADHD and both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, supporting recommendations for integrated screening in clinical practice.
Ongoing TIMESPAN Initiatives
1. Real-world remote monitoring (ART‑CARMA):
The ART‑CARMA study is a multi-site prospective cohort that tracks 300 adults initiating ADHD treatment using wearable devices (EmbracePlus), smartphone data, and clinical metrics including blood pressure and weight over a 12-month period. This study is generating a high-resolution digital phenotype relating ADHD medication, physical activity, sleep, and cardiometabolic risk.
2. Retrospective registry analyses:
TIMESPAN researchers are analysing large-scale national registries in Europe to investigate whether ADHD is associated with poorer adherence to medications and worse outcomes in patients with cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. The results are informing targeted risk stratification models.
3. Artificial intelligence and genomics:
TIMESPAN partners are applying machine learning models, including deep learning techniques, to identify adult patients with ADHD who are at elevated risk of cardiometabolic complications or treatment discontinuation. These predictive tools are designed to support precision care and personalised risk management.
Advancing Clinical Care
Evidence generated through TIMESPAN highlights the need for early identification and tailored interventions for adults with ADHD who are at increased cardiometabolic risk. By integrating psychiatry, cardiology, and endocrinology, the project contributes to a more holistic understanding of chronic disease management and supports the development of clinical guidelines that reflect the complex interactions between brain-based and metabolic conditions. Project results will be of interest to the wider obesity, endocrinology and cardiovascular health communities of practice. TIMESPAN insights will help shape cross disease diagnosis, prevention and care across Europe and beyond.
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