New study finds people with ADHD are more likely to suffer from gut problems
As an increasing number of young people continue to report problems with their stomach and bowels, one University study has offered up an interesting potential reason behind the increase.
While bowel cancer numbers are concerningly high among people under the age of 50, no study has yet been able to confirm exactly why that is, although the sheer amount of ultra-processed foods on the shelves of our supermarkets has long been linked to it.
Although that's almost certainly a factor, a study from researchers at the University of Warwick now theorises that our brain might also be playing a part in our gut problems, as they suggest that ADHD could be a huge reason behind the issues.
In the recently published paper, researchers analysed data from over 1.9 million people across 23 studies before finding that ADHD is linked to an almost 50 per cent increase in overall gastrointestinal symptoms compared with people without ADHD.
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Co-lead Author Sarah Blake, a Medical Student at Warwick Medical School, said: "Almost every gut symptom we looked at: constipation, IBS, even indigestion, appeared to be associated with ADHD. These symptoms can have a real impact on daily life, but they could easily be overlooked if the focus is on ADHD itself.”
ADHD is usually linked with symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention but it seems as if it could also be playing havoc with our bowels, as the paper also suggested that those with ADHD had more than double the chance of a person suffering from specific problems such as constipation, IBS and the total loss of bowel control.
However, it is too soon into this investigation to suggest that ADHD is the driving factor behind this increase in issues but the study emphasises that it is definitely worth looking more into.
Dr Saran Shantikumar, Associate Clinical Professor, Warwick Medical School, explains: "We can't yet say ADHD causes these gut problems, or exactly what is driving the link, but the pattern is striking enough to warrant attention. Clinicians caring for people with ADHD may want to consider asking about gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if they may be affecting quality of life."
It certainly wouldn't be the first time that digestive health has been linked to neuro-developmental conditions, as these gut problems are also well documented when it comes to being on the autism spectrum.
The paper, which was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, also urged people doctors to speak with ADHD patients about their diets and any gut problems they might be experiencing, while also adding that any individuals with ADHD who are struggling might want to speak with a gastroenterologist or dietician.
Topics: ADHD, Mental Health
James Moorhouse