“The Surprising Association Between ADHD & Inflammation” [Video Replay & Podcast #545]
Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#545), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on February 27, 2025.
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Episode Description
Emerging research may explain ADHD’s unexpected associations with inflammatory conditions like allergy, autoimmunity, fatigue, pain, and hypermobility. Scientists have identified genes linked to brain functions that also regulate immune and other bodily functions, indicating a potential connection between these disorders.
Research suggests a surprisingly strong link between ADHD and hypermobility syndrome, a condition in which connective tissue laxity results in a range of physical and mental health problems. Those with hypermobility syndromes often have the following:
- Dysautonomia: When the autonomic nervous system doesn’t work properly such as in the condition known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS
- Mast cell activation disease: When there is excessive reactivity of the immune system (e.g. allergies) and autoimmune conditions
These interconnected disorders often cause fatigue, sensory issues, pain, anxiety, and mood disturbance, as well as other features commonly seen in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
While studies have yet to confirm the role of neurotransmitter-related genes in ADHD, neuroinflammation is emerging as a key contributor to ADHD and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Observational studies link ADHD with conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, and food allergy. Substances released by mast cells, a type of immune-based blood cell involved in inflammation, are known to drive neurocognitive impairment, irritability, and fatigue.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- About the apparent association between inflammation and ADHD, including the likely involvement of the mast cell
- How disruptions in physical body functions can directly affect brain health and influence or trigger anxiety, depression, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, emotional dysregulation and other features traditionally linked to conditions such as ADHD
- How findings linking inflammation and ADHD may eventually lead to different ADHD therapies
- What future studies might reveal about the association between inflammatory disorders and ADHD
Watch the Video Replay
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Download or Stream the Podcast Audio
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ADHD and Inflammation: More Resources
- Read: How ADHD Can Intensify Physical Health Conditions
- Free Download: Lifestyle Changes for Adults with ADHD
- Read: Chronic Fatigue Twice as Likely Among Children with ADHD
Obtain a Certificate of Attendance
If you attended the live webinar on February 27, 2025, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »
Meet the Expert Speaker
Dr. James Kustow is a London-based Consultant Psychiatrist and integrative psychotherapist specializing in adult ADHD. He is the author of How to Thrive with Adult ADHD. Dr. Kustow works part-time at the National Health Service and runs a thriving private practice. As Medical Director of The Grove Practice, an internationally respected mental health training provider, he spearheads the ADHD+ program for professionals and the THRIVE program for individuals with, or exploring, ADHD.
Webinar Sponsor
The sponsor of this webinar is
Living with ADHD and dealing with inflammation-related challenges can be overwhelming and exhausting. Inflow gets it. Developed by leading ADHD experts, Inflow’s science-backed self-help program uses proven strategies to help you tackle behaviors, build healthier routines, and regain control of your life. Take the free ADHD traits quiz to get started.
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Video Replay + Slide Access
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