If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and also struggle with frequent joint pain, dislocations, or unusually high flexibility, there may be more going on than you think. Conditions like Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)—a group of connective tissue disorders—are often found alongside ADHD, leading to a unique combination of physical and cognitive challenges.
Although ADHD and hypermobility/EDS affect different parts of the body, studies have revealed a strong overlap between them. This connection is only just beginning to be understood, but it highlights how the brain and body can be more closely linked than we once realised.
By recognising these shared traits and exploring management strategies, individuals can take important steps toward reducing symptoms and improving everyday quality of life.
The Link Between ADHD and Hypermobility / EDS
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts attention, focus, impulsivity, and organisation. Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), by contrast, are connective tissue disorders that affect the flexibility, stability, and strength of joints and tissues. At first, these conditions may appear unrelated—but growing research suggests there is an important connection between ADHD and connective tissue disorders.
Scientists believe this link may be neurological. One theory points to differences in the autonomic nervous system (the system that regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion). When this system doesn’t function typically, it may contribute to shared symptoms seen in both conditions—such as chronic fatigue, brain fog, difficulty focusing, and even emotional regulation challenges.
Recognising this overlap can help people understand why they might experience both physical and cognitive challenges at the same time. Greater awareness also paves the way for more effective management strategies that address both conditions together.
How EDS and Hypermobility Affect ADHD Symptoms
Living with both ADHD and hypermobility or EDS often means managing a complex combination of challenges. Physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and joint instability can intensify the cognitive and emotional struggles associated with ADHD. For example, ongoing pain or the stress of coping with frequent joint dislocations can make it even harder to stay focused, remember tasks, or manage impulsivity.
Fatigue—common in EDS and hypermobility—can also worsen difficulties with attention and executive function, leaving individuals feeling mentally drained as well as physically exhausted.
On top of this, the unpredictability of flare-ups, dislocations, or pain episodes can fuel anxiety, which is already more common in people with ADHD. This creates a cycle: physical symptoms heighten ADHD-related challenges, which in turn increase stress and make day-to-day life harder to manage.
Managing ADHD and Hypermobility / EDS Together
Living with both ADHD and hypermobility or EDS means caring for both your mind and body at the same time. While it can feel overwhelming, a well-rounded management plan can make a big difference to daily life.
1. Medical Support
Treatment often involves a blend of approaches. ADHD medications such as stimulants can help with focus, organisation, and impulsivity, while pain management strategies—like physiotherapy, joint supports, or tailored exercise plans—address the physical challenges of hypermobility and EDS. Working with healthcare professionals who understand both conditions is key to developing a plan that supports your cognitive and physical needs together.
2. Physical Therapy & Strengthening
For hypermobility and EDS, physical therapy is often central to care. Building strength in the muscles surrounding joints helps improve stability and lowers the risk of dislocations. Gentle, regular movement can also benefit ADHD by boosting concentration, improving mood, and reducing stress. A physiotherapist with experience in hypermobility or EDS can design safe, effective routines that respect your body’s limits while supporting your overall wellbeing.
The Role of Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most challenging symptoms for people with hypermobility or EDS, and it can make ADHD symptoms even harder to manage. When your body feels drained, tasks that require focus, planning, or organisation can feel overwhelming, often leading to frustration or burnout. On top of this, ADHD itself is frequently linked with sleep difficulties, which can create a vicious cycle of tiredness and reduced cognitive function.
Managing fatigue starts with building a solid foundation of healthy sleep habits—such as keeping a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before sleep, and creating a calming evening routine. For some, ADHD medications that improve focus and alertness may also reduce daytime fatigue, though it’s important to track how these interact with physical symptoms.
Small lifestyle shifts can also make a big difference: staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, pacing physical activity, and incorporating gentle exercises like stretching or walking. These steps help reduce the impact of exhaustion on both the mind and body, making it easier to manage the dual challenges of ADHD and hypermobility or EDS.
Key Takeaways
Living with both ADHD and hypermobility/EDS can feel overwhelming, but understanding how these conditions overlap is the first step toward better management. By addressing both the cognitive challenges of ADHD and the physical symptoms of hypermobility or EDS, it’s possible to improve daily life and regain a sense of balance.
Practical approaches—such as medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and building strong support systems—can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and boosting overall well-being.
If you recognise yourself in this article and suspect that ADHD could be affecting your life alongside hypermobility or EDS, our Adult ADHD Assessment is a useful first step. It’s a quick, simple tool that you can share with your GP to help guide discussions about diagnosis, treatment, and support tailored to your needs.
With the right strategies and professional guidance, it’s absolutely possible to take control of both conditions and move towards a healthier, more balanced future.
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