Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and chronic pain: a scoping review of epidemiology, clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and treatment - Report - MDSpire

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and chronic pain: a scoping review of epidemiology, clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and treatment

  • By

  • Satoshi Kasahara

  • Shuntaro Aoki

  • Miwako Takahashi

  • Ryo Motoya

  • Takuma Sanpei

  • Taito Morita

  • Yusaku Fukada

  • Shin-Ichi Niwa

  • July 13, 2026

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Clinical Report: Exploring the Relationship Between ADHD and Chronic Pain

Overview

This scoping review synthesizes evidence on the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and chronic pain, highlighting significant comorbidities and potential neurobiological mechanisms.

Background

Chronic pain is a significant public health issue, impacting quality of life and imposing a socioeconomic burden. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is increasingly recognized as a potential comorbidity in chronic pain populations.

Data Highlights

Fifty studies were included in the review, revealing significant associations between ADHD and chronic pain across various conditions, including observational studies and case reports.

Key Findings

  • Epidemiological studies consistently report a significant association between ADHD symptoms and chronic pain.
  • Comorbid ADHD is observed in widespread pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and specific conditions such as chronic low back pain and migraines.
  • Proposed mechanisms include dopaminergic and noradrenergic dysfunction affecting pain modulation.

Clinical Implications

Recognizing ADHD traits may inform individualized treatment approaches.

Conclusion

The review highlights the association between ADHD and chronic pain comorbidity.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Brain–behavior relationships in task-based fMRI assessments of executive functions in children and adolescents with and without ADHD: a systematic review and ALE meta-analysis
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Systematic review of animal studies on the use of herbal medicine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Prevalence of pharmacologically treated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Altered auditory attention and functional connectivity in the auditory cortex of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  5. NICE, 2025 -- Overview | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance
  6. Anesthesiology and Perioperative Science, 2025 -- Causal links between multisite chronic pain and psychiatric disorders: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
  7. NICE, 2025 -- Recommendations | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance
  8. Frontiers, 2025 -- Innovative therapeutic strategies using ADHD medications tailored to the behavioral characteristics of patients with chronic pain
  9. Overview | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  10. Causal links between multisite chronic pain and psychiatric disorders: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study | Anesthesiology and Perioperative Science | Springer Nature Link
  11. Recommendations | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE
  12. Frontiers | Innovative therapeutic strategies using ADHD medications tailored to the behavioral characteristics of patients with chronic pain

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