The Overlooked Link Between Hypermobility and ADHD

If you have ADHD and also notice you’re unusually flexible, prone to joint pain, or often described as “double-jointed,” you might be part of a group of people living with both hypermobility and ADHD.

It’s a connection most people — and even many clinicians — overlook. But research is starting to reveal that the body and brain may be more linked here than we think.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility means your joints move beyond the typical range of motion. Some people can easily bend their fingers backward, do splits, or contort their bodies into shapes most of us can’t imagine.

While this can sometimes be harmless, for others it’s part of a medical condition like Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). These conditions often bring:

• Chronic joint pain or instability

• Frequent sprains or injuries

• Muscle fatigue

• Poor posture

• Dizziness or faintness (from autonomic nervous system issues)

Why ADHD and Hypermobility Might Be Connected

Recent studies suggest people with hypermobility have higher rates of ADHD and anxiety than the general population. One paper found that up to 50% of individuals with hypermobile EDS reported ADHD traits.

Possible reasons for this overlap include:

• Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation
  Hypermobility is linked to issues like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which affects blood pressure, heart rate, and energy regulation. A dysregulated nervous system can also influence focus, mood, and emotional regulation. Bonding Health can be one solution!

• Chronic Pain and Fatigue
  Persistent discomfort can drain cognitive resources, making ADHD symptoms more pronounced.

• Sensory Processing Differences
  Joint instability may affect proprioception (body awareness), leading to clumsiness or restlessness that can resemble or amplify ADHD traits.

How This Feels Day-to-Day

If you live with both ADHD and hypermobility, you might:

• Struggle to sit still for long because of discomfort

• Fatigue quickly during repetitive tasks

• Have difficulty focusing when your body feels unstable or in pain

• Experience frequent headaches or dizziness, which make concentration harder

Practical Support Strategies

1. Strengthen, Don’t Overstretch
While flexibility may seem like an advantage, stability is key. Work with a physical therapist to build muscle support around hypermobile joints.

2. Pace Yourself
Break up physical and cognitive tasks to prevent energy crashes that worsen ADHD symptoms.

3. Support Your Nervous System
Incorporate grounding techniques, breathwork, and emotional regulation tools to help manage both ADHD and autonomic symptoms.

4. Use Physical Cues
Just as ADHD benefits from visual reminders for tasks, hypermobility management benefits from posture cues, ergonomic setups, and supportive gear.

Why a Whole-Body Approach Matters

The overlap between ADHD and hypermobility is a reminder that mental health isn’t just about the brain — it’s about the entire system. Addressing only focus or attention without supporting the body leaves a big piece of the puzzle unsolved.

When you take care of your joints, energy, and nervous system, you create better conditions for focus, mood regulation, and daily function.

Keep this in mind and stay conscious and kind to your body. If you enjoyed this journal, check out our nervous system journal to complement what you just read.