Global study finds people with ADHD more likely to experience GI issues.
People have long suspected a link between gut issues and how the brain works, and new research might help explain why. A large-scale review of 11 studies, involving over 3.8 million people, found a consistent connection between ADHD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The two conditions may seem unrelated at first, but the findings suggest there’s more happening under the surface.
ADHD is often thought of as a childhood condition, but it affects adults too. People with ADHD may struggle to sit still, focus, or follow through on tasks. These challenges can have a wide-reaching impact on work, relationships, and overall well-being. At the same time, IBS is a chronic condition that causes belly pain, bloating, and trouble with bowel movements. While IBS doesn’t damage the digestive tract, it can severely impact a person’s daily comfort and quality of life. For many, the symptoms come and go without a clear pattern.
This new study looked across different continents to see whether ADHD is connected to intestinal problems. The findings were clear: while there wasn’t strong proof linking ADHD to all types of gut disorders, the link between ADHD and IBS stood out. The odds of someone with ADHD also having IBS were significantly higher. This raises questions about whether both conditions share some of the same causes.
One possible connection is the gut-brain axis. This is a network of communication between the gut and the brain, involving hormones, nerves, and immune responses. Research suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria—called dysbiosis—could affect how the brain works. Children with ADHD are more likely to have digestive issues like constipation and gas. Scientists think that disruptions in gut health might affect attention and mood by triggering inflammation or changing brain chemistry.
The researchers also noticed something interesting when they looked at where the studies came from. Participants from the Eastern Mediterranean area showed higher chances of ADHD and IBS happening together. That pattern wasn’t as strong in places like Europe or the U.S., but it raises the possibility that local diet, environment, or healthcare access may play a role.
Not all digestive conditions showed a strong link to ADHD, though. The review didn’t find clear evidence that ADHD is tied to Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis. That said, some of those conditions do affect the gut microbiome and immune system, much like IBS does. So, it’s possible that future research might uncover connections that weren’t strong enough to show up this time.
Another wrinkle is that ADHD medications can affect digestion too. Some people taking stimulant drugs like Ritalin or Adderall report stomach pain or other issues. This can make it harder for doctors to tell whether gut problems are part of the ADHD picture or a side effect of treatment.
There are some gaps in the research. Most of the studies looked back in time rather than following people over the years, and many came from just one part of the world. That makes it harder to draw global conclusions. Still, the link between ADHD and IBS seems real enough to take seriously.
What does this mean for everyday people? For those living with ADHD, it might help to keep an eye on gut symptoms and talk to a doctor if problems crop up. IBS doesn’t have a cure, but it can often be managed through diet, stress relief, or changes in routine. As science keeps digging into how the brain and gut interact, we may find new ways to care for both body and mind at the same time.
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ADHD linked to higher risk of irritable bowel syndrome, global study reveals
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