If you have ADHD, you’re more likely to have chronic pain — here’s why | Hyperfocus

If you have ADHD or autism, research shows you’re at a much higher risk for developing chronic pain — a connection many doctors and patients still don’t know about. In this episode of Hyperfocus, we talk with a doctor who’s trying to change that. Dr. Michael Lenz, a Wisconsin-based pain specialist, explains what the medical community is discovering about the connection between ADHD, autism, and chronic pain, including conditions like fibromyalgia and migraines. He also shares stories from his practice, including times when treating a patient’s ADHD unexpectedly improved their chronic pain symptoms. For more on this topic: Dr. Lenz’s podcast and book https://www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com/ The Weak Link: Hypotonia in Infancy and Autism Early Identification - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891038/ ADHD-pain: Characteristics of chronic pain and association with muscular dysregulation in adults with ADHD https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/sjpain-2024-0015/html Order friend of the show Craig Thomas’ book https://www.harpercollins.com/products/thats-not-how-it-happened-craig-thomas?variant=43708741517346 NIH study on joint hypermobility https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8847158/ For a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/hyperfocus/chronic-pain-adhd-autism-connection You can also email us at [email protected]. Questions about learning and thinking differences? Get answers and expert-vetted resources by asking the AI-powered Understood Assistant: https://www.understood.org/en/assistant?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=assistant-agn-prod&utm_content=video Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at https://www.understood.org/en/donate?sc=HYP0725YTO&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fundraising-agn-vid-hyperfocus&utm_content=video For more resources, support, and excellent memes, subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/understoodorg/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Understood/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@understood.org Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/understoodorg/ #ADHD #Autism #ChronicPain #Fibromyalgia #HyperfocusPodcast #Neurodiversity #PainManagement