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We hope you find this page helpful. Remember, ADHD symptoms affect everyone differently, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare professional.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and experience frequent joint pain, dislocations, or extreme flexibility, you might be dealing with more than just one condition. Hypermobility Syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of connective tissue disorders, often co-occur with ADHD, creating a complex mix of physical and cognitive challenges.
While these conditions affect different systems in the body, research has shown a surprising overlap between ADHD and hypermobility or EDS.
Understanding how these conditions are linked – and learning ways to manage them – can significantly improve your quality of life.
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects attention, impulsivity, and the ability to keep organised. Hypermobility and EDS, on the other hand, are connective tissue disorders that affect the strength and flexibility of joints and tissues. While these conditions seem unrelated at first glance, studies suggest that there may be a connection between ADHD and disorders of connective tissue, such as EDS.
Research indicates that the link between ADHD and hypermobility or EDS might be neurological. One theory is that the autonomic nervous system (which controls things like heart rate and blood pressure) is affected in people with both conditions. This could explain the common overlap of symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty focusing, and emotional dysregulation. Recognising this connection can help individuals understand why they may experience both cognitive and physical symptoms.
Living with both ADHD and hypermobility or EDS can create unique challenges. Physical symptoms like chronic pain, joint instability, and fatigue can exacerbate ADHD-related difficulties like forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and impulsivity. The daily experience of managing pain or coping with joint dislocations may make it harder to focus on tasks, while the fatigue often associated with EDS can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Additionally, the unpredictability of joint dislocations or other physical symptoms may increase feelings of anxiety, which is commonly experienced by people with ADHD. This can create a cycle where pain worsens ADHD symptoms, leading to more stress and difficulty managing daily life.
If you’re dealing with both ADHD and hypermobility or EDS, managing both conditions is crucial to improving your overall well-being. Here are a few strategies that may help:
Medical Management
Treatment for ADHD and hypermobility or EDS often involves a combination of medications and therapies. ADHD medications, such as stimulants, can improve focus and attention, while pain management techniques like physiotherapy can help stabilise joints and reduce discomfort. It’s important to work with a healthcare professional familiar with both conditions to find a treatment plan that addresses both cognitive and physical needs.
Physical Therapy and Strengthening
For those with hypermobility or EDS, physical therapy is a key component of managing symptoms. Strengthening the muscles around the joints can help reduce the risk of dislocations and improve overall stability. Regular physical activity, when carefully managed, can also improve ADHD symptoms by boosting focus and reducing stress. Working with a physiotherapist who understands hypermobility or EDS can ensure you receive tailored advice that respects your body’s limits.
Fatigue is a common symptom for those with hypermobility or EDS and can significantly impact ADHD symptoms. Feeling physically exhausted can make it harder to concentrate, plan, or complete tasks, which can lead to frustration. Additionally, ADHD itself can lead to difficulties with sleep, creating a vicious cycle of tiredness and cognitive difficulties.
Managing fatigue starts with good sleep hygiene, including regular sleep schedules and a calming bedtime routine. For some, ADHD medications that help with focus and energy levels may also improve daytime fatigue, but it’s important to monitor how these medications interact with your physical symptoms. Gentle exercise, hydration, and regular breaks throughout the day can also help combat the physical and mental exhaustion associated with both ADHD and EDS.
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