Highlights
- Recent studies have found that hypermobility is related to ADHD, although the exact reason is unknown.
- The combination of ADHD plus joint pain is often an indicator of hypermobility. However, being hypermobile does not necessarily mean you have ADHD, and vice versa.
- Managing hypermobility is necessary only when it produces symptoms; when it does, the primary focus is to reduce pain, most commonly through physical therapy.
- Coexisting ADHD and painful hypermobility are often associated with other physical symptoms: clumsiness from poor proprioception, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue from autonomic nervous system issues.
Symptomatic hypermobility and ADHD are traditionally seen as
This article will give you a better understanding of the link between ADHD and hypermobility, what to look out for, and how to manage the combination successfully.
Is Hypermobility Linked to ADHD?
Research suggests a link between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and joint hypermobility. First, what is actually generalized joint hypermobility? A person with hypermobility can extend their joints beyond the normal limits; they are those incredibly bendy or flexible people.
Interestingly, studies find that the connection between
ADHD diagnosis → generalized joint hypermobility
- Adults with ADHD are
almost 5 times more likely[4] to have generalized joint hypermobility than those without ADHD. Around half[5] of individuals diagnosed with ADHD have generalized joint hypermobility.
Joint hypermobility syndromes → ADHD diagnosis
In 15- to 18-year-olds with hEDS[6] (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), about 4 out of 10 had coexisting ADHD. Kids with an HSD diagnosis (hypermobility spectrum disorder) also have a strong association with ADHD, but it is less common than in those with hEDS.Individuals with EDS[7] are around 6 times more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis than those without EDS.
You most likely have some idea of what ADHD is, but what are HSD and EDS?
Hypermobility, HSD, and EDS: What's the Difference?
Hypermobility is a symptom of HSD and hEDS, but you can be hypermobile and not have HSD and hEDS.
Hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are rare genetic connective tissue disorders, sometimes
- Generalized hypermobility
- Joint pain
- Poor proprioception (the body’s ability to sense where it is)
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
Often, people with hEDS have other symptoms:
- Stretchy skin
- Repeated joint dislocations
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic pain
- Gut issues
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) — a fast heart rate when they stand up
Testing for Hypermobility
Doctors use the
Importantly, some people just have extreme flexibility. It’s possible to have generalized joint hypermobility and no other symptoms. So, hypermobility can be harmless and not related to a specific diagnosis. If hypermobility doesn’t cause pain or joint instability and isn’t associated with hEDS or HSD, it usually doesn’t require specific treatment.
Why Are ADHD and Hypermobility Linked?
Although no specific cause or effect has been identified, there are a few ideas about the link between ADHD and hypermobility.
Common Genetics
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it starts during brain development. One theory is that ADHD and hypermobility can be
Physical Symptoms Indirectly Cause Inattention
Often, people with ADHD and hypermobility
| Hypermobility-Associated Trigger | Physical Symptom |
Poor proprioception (the body’s ability to sense where it is) | Clumsiness |
Autonomic nervous system problems lead to dips in blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, and fatigue |
| Connective tissue problems | Joint pain Muscle pain |
The theory is that these
- Because of poor proprioception, the brain is constantly trying to sense its position,which makes it harder to focus on thinking, learning, or planning.
- A tired or dizzy brain doesn’t function well.
- The brain concentrates on muscle and joint pain rather than the task it needs to do.
ADHD Plus Joint Pain Point to Hypermobility
When people with ADHD have chronic pain or frequent joint pain, they are
Getting Help If You Suspect Both ADHD and Hypermobility
If you are experiencing physical and cognitive challenges that are affecting your physical health, mental health, or overall well-being, you can start by visiting your primary care clinician.
Have a look through the following questions before your appointment. Having the answers will cover the bases and save time.
ADHD and Hypermobility Screening Questions
1. Do any of your immediate family members have ADHD or hypermobility conditions?
ADHD-related challenges:
2. Can you relate to any of the following statements?
- Having poor attention to detail
- Being easily distracted
- Making careless mistakes
- Focusing on anything is a challenge
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
- Following instructions poorly
- Trouble organizing or finishing tasks
- Avoiding mentally demanding or boring tasks
- Often losing keys, reading glasses, or mobile phones
- Being forgetful about even routine daily activities
- Feeling restless inside your body, or needing to move constantly
- Being loud, talking too much, interrupting conversations, or blurting out answers
- Difficulty waiting for your turn
Physical challenges:
3. Are any of your joints overly flexible? Which ones?
4. Do you have pain?
- Where?
- How often? Are there any triggers?
- For how long (weeks or years)?
- Do you take medication? What and how often?
5. Are you often tired, dizzy, or do you faint easily?
6. Are you clumsy or injury- or accident-prone?
This information will help your healthcare provider with diagnosis, treatment suggestions, and referrals.
Combining Treatment Strategies for Hypermobility and ADHD
As we’ve shown, the cognitive and physical needs of hypermobility and ADHD often overlap and even make challenges worse. Therefore, treatment aims at managing symptoms of both. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- ADHD-specific treatment, consisting of talk therapy and medication, doesn’t help with hypermobility.
- Importantly, if hypermobility isn’t causing symptoms, such as pain, it usually doesn’t require specific treatment. When it is symptomatic, pain management strategies include physical therapy, medication, and sometimes orthopedic specialist opinions.
How Each Condition Can Affect the Other
Sleep
Sleep disorders and poor sleeping patterns are well-known
Physical Activity
Getting enough physical exercise
ADHD Medications
- Stimulants, including amphetamine- and methylphenidate- based medications, are preferred first-line, when medications are deemed appropriate.
- Non-stimulant options, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, are usually considered when stimulants are dangerous to use or cause intolerable side effects. In coexisting hypermobility and ADHD, they might be used if there are POTS-like symptoms, palpitations, or blood pressure concerns.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists help improve joint stability and reduce fall risks in the following ways:
- “Strengthen” joints by building the muscle around them.
- Teach people about the individual body’s limits, avoiding joint strain and injuries.
- Help with posture and core muscle strength.
- Improve proprioception by repeating sensory treatment challenges.
- Treat
POTS and orthostatic blood pressure dips[13] through exercise interventions.
As you can see, management of ADHD and coexisting hypermobility usually needs a team of healthcare professionals.
Hypermobility and ADHD: The Bottom Line
Recent evidence shows a connection between hypermobility and ADHD. Each condition presents its own challenges, and together they may impact daily life even more. If they coexist, management needs to address both; therefore, an accurate diagnosis is essential.
If you suspect you have combined hypermobility and ADHD, you can book an online appointment for ADHD assessment and treatment and discuss the possibility with the MEDvidi team.
FAQs
Can ADHD cause joint pain?
ADHD is
Can ADHD cause stiff muscles?
ADHD is
Is hypermobility more common in women with ADHD?
Generalized joint hypermobility and ADHD in women
Are Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ADHD connected?
What percentage of patients with ADHD are hypermobile?
Does hypermobility mean you have ADHD?
No, having hypermobility doesn’t mean you have ADHD. Although there is an association between hypermobility and ADHD, ADHD is diagnosed with specific criteria reflecting symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
