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A meta-analysis found that people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly higher statistical odds of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (eg, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.) than those without an ADHD diagnosis. The analysis published in the Journal of Attention Disorders included 23 studies representing more than 1.9 million participants, which based findings on validated symptom instruments as well as self-reported patient symptoms. Overall, ADHD was associated with 48% higher odds of GI symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.48; 95% confidence interval 1.35–1.62) from combined evidence from studies including populations of adults and/or children. Specific associations included nearly twice the odds of constipation (OR 1.97) and more than 4 times the odds of encopresis (OR 4.32). ADHD was also associated with increased odds of irritable bowel syndrome (OR 1.58), dyspepsia (OR 1.52), diarrhea (OR 2.18), and abdominal pain (OR 1.88).
Tummy troubles: For urgent care clinicians evaluating common GI complaints, the findings suggest that ADHD may be an important comorbidity to consider, although the authors note that behavioral factors, medications, sleep disturbances, and possible gut microbiome differences may contribute to the observed associations. They believe this study is the first review to synthesize the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with ADHD.