Gut-Brain Connection: Managing ADHD and IBS Together

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common gastrointestinal condition that affects an estimated 10-20% of adults worldwide, including about 45 million people in the United States alone. However, only about 5% of individuals receive a diagnosis and treatment. At its most basic, IBS is a problem with how the bowels work that is not caused by a physical, structural, or other more “serious” problem like cancer. 

The symptoms of IBS can vary greatly from person to person and can include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, gas, abdominal cramping, fecal urgency, fatigue, headache, back pain, and abdominal pain. Because of the variety of symptoms, the difficulty in obtaining a diagnosis and effective treatment, and the fact that it is not always possible to predict when symptoms will occur, as well as other factors, IBS can have a serious negative impact on individuals’ quality of life. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a mental health condition that has many symptoms but is often defined as having issues with attention, focus, task completion, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity.

Attention and Digestion: Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection 

So, how are ADHD and IBS possibly connected? The answer is likely related to the gut-brain axis, which was previously discussed in relation to mental health in another article. The gut-brain axis, which is only recently being studied and understood, relates to the interrelationship between some neurochemicals that affect the bowels and the changes in brain chemistry that occur when there is bowel dysfunction. 

Further examining the link between ADHD and IBS one study investigated the gut microbiome in children and found that children with ADHD have increased levels of Candida albicans (a type of yeast) and decreased variability in the gut microbiome. These changes also increased the permeability or “leakage” of the intestinal walls. The study suggested that dysbiosis (or overgrowth of certain things leading to the microbiome not being balanced) and increased intestinal permeability may increase susceptibility to ADHD.

One study examined the effect of giving adult-aged college students probiotics over three months. There were improvements in ADHD symptoms, but they varied, one theory being that the probiotic administered did not consider the individual’s original gut microbiome. But, this study shows that this might be a potential treatment to improve ADHD symptoms by treating the gut microbiome in the future with further research. 

Managing the Double Whammy: Holistic Strategies for IBS and ADHD

To manage the symptoms of IBS and ADHD an important aspect is having a healthcare provider who is willing to develop a holistic approach that addresses both ADHD and IBS. The treatment plan may include a variety of interventions. Dietary adjustments are often important to manage IBS symptoms. These adjustments are individualized, as you must identify and attempt to avoid your own trigger foods. It is important to discuss all medications with your provider thoroughly. Some ADHD medications may increase gastrointestinal side effects, and an adjustment may be necessary. Or the medications used to treat IBS may need to be adjusted. 

Therapy is beneficial for both ADHD and IBS. Techniques can improve focus, organization, and impulse control. They can also decrease or help cope with stress and anxiety, which may worsen or affect IBS symptoms. Tracking symptoms is important for any chronic health condition. This is even more important when dealing with multiple health conditions, as it allows you to discuss new symptoms or side effects together to identify if changes or adjustments to your treatment plan are needed.

1. _{American College of Gastroenterology (2025, January 1). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). ACOG - IBS. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/}

2. _{Cickovski, T., Mathee, K., Aguirre, G., Tatke, G., Hermida, A., Narasimhan, G., & Stollstorff, M. (2023). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the gut microbiome: An ecological perspective. PloS one, 18(8), e0273890. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273890} 

3. _{Levy Schwartz, M., Magzal, F., Yehuda, I., & Tamir, S. (2024). Exploring the impact of probiotics on adult ADHD management through a double-blind RCT. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73874-y} 

4. _{Wang, L. J., Li, S. C., Yeh, Y. M., Lee, S. Y., Kuo, H. C., & Yang, C. Y. (2023). Gut mycobiome dysbiosis and its impact on intestinal permeability in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 64(9), 1280–1291. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13779}