If you're living with ADHD and also experiencing gut issues (like bloating, cramps, or unpredictable digestion) you might be wondering if there's a connection. You’re not alone. There's growing evidence that ADHD and IBS often appear together. Understanding this overlap can help make sense of symptoms that might feel unrelated.

What exactly is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gut condition that affects how your digestive system works, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. While there's no clear single cause, IBS often involves stress and emotional factors, which means it’s closely linked to the brain and nervous system.

How is this connected to ADHD?

ADHD doesn't just affect focus or impulsivity. It also influences emotional regulation, stress responses and how you experience internal sensations. All of which can impact your digestive system.

Recent research has identified a notable overlap between ADHD and IBS. A large-scale 2021 study involving over 389,000 participants found that individuals with ADHD were approximately 67% more likely to be diagnosed with IBS than those without ADHD. This suggests a meaningful association between the two conditions, potentially due to shared mechanisms involving stress responses, emotional regulation and the brain-gut axis. Additionally, genetic research supports the possibility of common biological factors underlying both ADHD and IBS, though the exact pathways remain under investigation.

Expert insights: Why it's complicated

Dr Najeeb Khalid, Consultant Psychiatrist at Augmentive, explains:

"Sometimes, difficult-to-treat chronic anxiety can show up as gut symptoms—what appears to be IBS might actually be linked to undiagnosed ADHD."

He adds:

“An active ADHD brain might increase activity in your gut too, possibly more psychologically than biologically—due to restlessness, tension and the constant need for control. Emotional dysregulation, stress and gut discomfort can all tie back to ADHD, even if the direct biological link isn't fully clear."

Dr Kalpana Dein, a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions, also highlights the complexity:

“IBS has a significant psychological aspect. I’ve seen patients whose IBS improved dramatically after starting ADHD treatment. The connection seems psychological—addressing ADHD can reduce anxiety, depression and even associated issues like OCD or eating disorders, ultimately easing gut symptoms.”

Why understanding matters

When different symptoms overlap, treating them individually can feel fragmented. Recognising that your gut health and ADHD might be connected can help you approach care more holistically.

Final thoughts

At Augmentive, we see diagnosis as the starting point for action. If you're experiencing both ADHD and gut issues, it's worth exploring the bigger picture and finding strategies that make sense for your whole self. You can explore our team of highly experienced doctors specialising in ADHD here.

You can also try our free ADHD self-screening tool here, 12 quick questions to help you see how likely it is you have ADHD.