People with ADHD face higher odds of gastrointestinal problems

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260910/People-with-ADHD-face-higher-odds-of-gastrointestinal-problems.aspx University of Warwick researchers have analyzed data from over 1.9 million people across 23 studies and found that ADHD is linked to an almost 50% increase in overall gastrointestinal symptoms compared with people without ADHD The association was even stronger for specific problems: nearly double the odds of constipation, a 58% increase in irritable bowel syndrome, and more than four times the odds of encopresis (loss of bowel control). An estimated 5% of children and 3-4% of adults have ADHD worldwide and reported diagnosis rates have risen sharply over the past 40 years. Gut problems are already well documented in autism spectrum disorder, with a growing body of evidence pointing to a 'gut-brain axis' linking digestive health to neurodevelopmental conditions more widely. Until now, the extent of gastrointestinal symptoms in people with ADHD has remained unclear.