Massive review links ADHD to widespread gut problems
A University of Warwick review of 1.9 million people across 23 studies found ADHD is linked to significantly higher rates of digestive symptoms, including nearly double the odds of constipation and a 58% higher rate of irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers stress this shows an association, not proof that ADHD causes gut problems.
Researchers at the University of Warwick combined data from more than 1.9 million people across 23 studies in 11 countries and found that people with ADHD have nearly 50% higher rates of digestive symptoms overall, almost double the odds of constipation, a 58% higher rate of irritable bowel syndrome, and more than four times the odds of encopresis. Possible explanations include ADHD medication side effects, irregular eating patterns, and differences in gut bacteria linked via the vagus nerve. The study, published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, is the first systematic review focused specifically on this link. The researchers stress this is an association, not proof that ADHD causes gut problems, and call for further research to separate biological factors from medication effects.