TOPLINE

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) had increased odds of multiple gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms compared with the neurotypical population, a meta-analysis showed.

METHODOLOGY

• Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsycInfo up to May 12, 2026.
• A total of 23 studies conducted across 11 countries were included, comprising six retrospective cohort studies, 16 cross-sectional studies, and one case-control study.
• More than 1.9 million participants aged from 2 years to adulthood were included. Individuals with a formal diagnosis of ADHD were compared with the neurotypical population.
• Researchers assessed the odds of total GI symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, encopresis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and unspecified stomach or bowel problems.
• Quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

TAKEAWAY

• 21 of 23 studies had at least moderate methodologic quality.

• Patients with ADHD had increased odds of total GI symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.48), dyspepsia (OR, 1.52), IBS (OR, 1.58), unspecified stomach/bowel problems (OR, 1.82), constipation (OR, 1.97), diarrhea (OR, 2.18), and encopresis (OR, 4.32) compared with the neurotypical population (P <.001 for all).

• ADHD was also associated with a significant increase in abdominal pain (OR, 1.88; P =.03). 

IN PRACTICE

"In practice, when managing patients with ADHD, a holistic approach is required: clinicians should be aware of the frequency of GI comorbidities and actively consider gastrointestinal health when managing patients with ADHD," the authors wrote.

SOURCE

The study was led by Sarah Blake, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK. It was published online on September 10 in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

LIMITATIONS

The study excluded non-English publications. Most included studies did not stratify results by medication status, making it difficult to distinguish intrinsic GI symptoms from medication-related effects. Publication bias could not be assessed, reasons underlying the variation in studies could not be explored, and sensitivity analyses were not performed.

DISCLOSURES

No funding was received for the study. The authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.