ADHD rarely exists in isolation: understanding co-existing conditions
When people think about ADHD, they often imagine it as a standalone diagnosis — something that affects focus, attention, or impulsivity. But did you know that ADHD rarely exists in isolation?
In fact, many people with ADHD experience overlapping conditions that can impact their lives in complex and unique ways.
By recognising these connections, we can better understand and support those navigating these challenges.
It’s thought that if you have one of the conditions listed below, you are likely to have at least two or three others as well (Heale Collab, 2023).
Speaking from my personal experience, both in my own life and with my neurodivergent children, this absolutely rings true.
Let's explore some of the most common co-existing conditions linked to ADHD:
Hormone-based conditions
Hormonal changes can significantly affect ADHD symptoms, particularly in women. Research has shown that:
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Women with ADHD are more vulnerable to severe premenstrual mood changes (Eisenlohr-Moul et al., 2020).
Postnatal depression: Women with ADHD are at higher risk of experiencing postnatal depression after childbirth (Yonkers et al., 2020).
Perimenopause and menopause: Oestrogen fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can worsen ADHD symptoms, contributing to emotional and cognitive challenges (MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, 2020).
Endometriosis: Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between endometriosis and neurodivergence, although more research is needed.
Addiction-related conditions
Many individuals with ADHD are more prone to difficulties around self-regulation, which can increase the risk of developing addictions and compulsive behaviours:
Substance use disorders: Higher rates of alcohol, drug, and nicotine dependency are seen in the ADHD population (Heale Collab, 2023).
Compulsive behaviours: This can include shopping, gaming, gambling, or other impulsive actions (Heale Collab, 2023).
Disordered eating patterns: Binge eating, restrictive eating, and emotional eating are all more common among those with ADHD (Heale Collab, 2023).
Other neurodivergent and neurodevelopmental conditions
ADHD often overlaps with other forms of neurodivergence, which can influence how a person learns, moves, and experiences the world:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Sensory Processing Disorder
Tourette’s Syndrome and tic disorders
Specific learning disabilities, such as dyscalculia
These overlaps can mean that each person's experience of ADHD is incredibly individual — no two people are exactly alike.
Emotional and mental health conditions
Living with ADHD often brings emotional challenges, whether because of the ADHD itself or because of the social and environmental factors surrounding it:
Anxiety disorders: Generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder are frequently seen alongside ADHD.
Depression: Both major depressive disorder and persistent low-grade depression (dysthymia) are common.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Although not yet officially listed in diagnostic manuals, RSD is well-recognised among ADHD specialists and describes an intense sensitivity to rejection or criticism.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): While distinct from ADHD, OCD can co-occur and complicate symptoms.
Sleep-related conditions
Sleep struggles are particularly common among people with ADHD, often adding another layer of difficulty to daily life:
Sleep disorders: Including insomnia and delayed sleep phase syndrome (where the natural sleep-wake cycle is shifted later).
Restless legs syndrome: A neurological condition that creates uncomfortable sensations and an urge to move the legs, particularly at night.
Physical health conditions
There are also physical health conditions increasingly recognised as being more common among those with ADHD:
Fibromyalgia (Heale Collab, 2023)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) (Heale Collab, 2023)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (Heale Collab, 2023)
Chronic pain conditions (Heale Collab, 2023)
Migraine
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (especially hypermobile type)
Many of these conditions share underlying traits like sensory sensitivities, nervous system dysregulation, and difficulties with energy management — all of which can interact with ADHD in powerful ways.
Why recognising co-existing conditions matters
When we acknowledge the reality of co-existing conditions, we can:
Improve access to appropriate support and treatments.
Understand the full picture of someone's experience, not just their ADHD symptoms.
Develop more effective, compassionate strategies for managing daily life.
As someone who lives this reality — and supports others who do too — I believe that recognition is a vital first step towards feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Everyone’s neurodivergence is unique, and understanding the wider landscape of co-existing conditions can make a real difference in how we care for ourselves and each other.
References
Eisenlohr-Moul, T., et al. (2020). Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and ADHD: Overlapping vulnerabilities. Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Yonkers, K. A., et al. (2020). Risk of postpartum depression in women with ADHD. Journal of Women’s Health.
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. (2020). Are women with ADHD at increased risk for hormonally mediated mood disorders? Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health.
Heale Collab. (2023). Co-occurring conditions with ADHD. Heale Collab, Australia.
Disclaimer:
This post is for general information and awareness only. It is not intended to replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you have concerns about ADHD or related conditions.