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The correlation between
ADHD and gastrointestinal (Gl) issues is strong and clinically significant |
(especially in children)
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ADHD is strongly associated with dopaminergic
dysregulation in the brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. (1)
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The same dopaminergic signaling plays a critical role in regulating gastrointestinal motility, mucosal integrity, and immune responses in the gut. Dysfunction in dopamine signaling can therefore disrupt gut-brain communication, leading to altered Gl functioning such as constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain commonly reported in individuals with ADHD.
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Children and adults with
ADHD often exhibit gut dysbiosis, imbalances in the normal gut microbiota. (2)
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Certain bacterial strains are depleted (like
Faecalibacterium) while others like Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus are elevated. These microbes influence not just digestion but also brain function by producing neuroactive compounds (e.g., GABA, dopamine precursors). When disrupted, these pathways can aggravate both GI symptoms and behavioral issues, forming a bidirectional feedback loop.
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ADHD is frequently linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, especially reduced parasympathetic (vagal) tone. (3)
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The vagus nerve is a major communication pathway between the brain and the gut. Impaired vagal regulation reduces motility and alters secretion in the GI tract, increasing susceptibility to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain in ADHD patients.
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Emerging studies suggest systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation may underlie both ADHD and GI symptoms. (4)
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ADHD has been associated with elevated cytokines (like
(L-6 and TNF-a), which are also implicated in GI
inflammation and disorders like IBS. This inflammatory signaling can disrupt both intestinal permeability (a.k.a.
"leaky gut") and
neurotransmitter regulation, creating a shared pathway for co-occurring symptoms.
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Many individuals with ADHD have food sensitivities or poor dietary habits (e.g., high sugar, low fiber intake), which can contribute to Gl dysfunction. (5)
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Additionally, stimulant
medications used to treat
ADHD may suppress appetite and alter gut motility or gastric emptying, worsening symptoms like constipation or nausea. The overlap of behavioral dysregulation, medication effects, and diet leads to an elevated risk for
GI distress.
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Sources :
1. Chen, La, Huang, To, & Zhang,
H. (2022). Gut microbiota and ADHD: Dopaminergic regulation and gut-brain interaction. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 16,
830821. https://doi.org/ 10.3389/fncel. 2022.830821
2. Prehn-kristensen, A.,
Zimmermann, A., Tittmann, Lay Lieb, Wo Schreiber, S., Baving, Lay & Fischer, A.
(2018). Reduced microbiome alpha diversity in young patients with ADHD. PLOS ONE, 13(7), ÷0200728.
https://dol.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0200728
3. Martinez, Mo. A., Wallace, Do, & Kakuma, T. (2020). The autonomic nervous svstem in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Neuroscience &
Biobehavioral Reviews, 116,
182-195. https://doi.org/
10.1016/ janeubiorev. 2020.06.001
4. Donfrancesco, R. Nativio, P Balia, Coy Villa, M. Po, & Andriola, E. (2016). Anti-Yersinia antibodies and ADHDs A new path to explore? Journal of Neuroimmunology, 298, 79-
82. https://doi.org/10.1016/ jineuroim.2016.07.011
5. Pelsser, L. Mb, Frankena, K., Toolman, J. Savelkoul, H. For Dubois, A. Ex Pereira, R. Roy Haagen, T. A., Rommelse, N.
No, & Buitelaar, J. K. (2011).
Effects of a restricted elimination diet on the behavior of children with attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (INCA study): A randomized controlled trial. The Lancet,
377(9764), 494-503.
https://dol.org/10.1016/
sorRo-ensorio)e2227
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