Exploring AHDH and self-diagnosis

by linzybradyNovember 14, 2025

One thing I have noticed recently is the increase in people who are diagnosed with ADHD, particularly adults who are suddenly given late diagnosis of the condition. In the past, it was commonly diagnosed in children who couldn’t concentrate in school, especially young boys. Today we have many adults who find themselves struggling with many of the symptoms associated with ADHD. I have even heard of a horse who was diagnosed with ADHD and unfortunately given Ritalin which caused a whole host of other problems for it.

Self-Screening and Fast-Track Diagnosis

One cause of this increase might be the internet. When people research their symptoms online many come across websites that allow them to self-diagnose for ADHD. There are many new screener surveys and more self-help websites that allow people to self-diagnose and then get linked to mental health providers for a quicker formal diagnosis of the condition.

On the surface it might sound good that there are ways to fast-track a diagnosis of ADHD ‘so people can get the help they need.’ But there are also problems with fast-tracking the process from self-diagnosis to formal diagnosis. One problem with this is that many people might overlook many other conditions and treatments for their particular set of symptoms once they are diagnosed with ADHD. Another problem is that the most common treatment for a late diagnosis of ADHD is a range of new medications that often come with undesirable side-effects like insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, stomach-aches, and moodiness.

Some of the self-screening tools include the Adult ADHD Screening Survey and the Right to Choose pathway to speed up the process.

I am writing this blog for those people who would like to explore other ways of dealing with the symptoms associated with ADHD before they commit themselves to potentially disruptive medications or for those who have had serious side effects that cause more problems.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is linked to specific problems relating to persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety. To date it has been understood primarily as a brain-based condition characterised by chemical imbalances. More recent research has challenged this understanding with exciting insights into the links between the brain and the gut in the development of ADHD symptoms.

Is there a connection between gut health and ADHD?

Much research today has shown that there is a strong connection between mental health, brain health and gut health. The gut-brain connection is so strong that people have described the gut as our ‘second brain’. This connection is becoming increasingly important in discussions about depression and ADHD.

Gut-related digestive issues are frequently reported in ADHD patients, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Acid reflux and Food sensitivities. Also Coeliac Disease has been linked to psychiatric disorders and other extra-intestinal manifestations in a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020.[1] Interestingly, many of the neurotransmitters in the brain that play crucial roles in mood, attention and impulse control are also found in the gut. Serotonin and dopamine, for instance, are also produced by gut bacteria, which shows how significant the health of the gut microbiome can be in the fight against symptoms associated with ADHD.

The Gut-Brain Axis

This refers to the communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The vagus nerve is the most important parts of the gut-brain axis. This is the long wandering nerve that connects the brain to the gastrointestinal system. Some research suggests that inflammation in the gut can cause inflammation in the brain and contribute to symptoms of ADHD[2].

Research shows that gut bacteria is different in children with ADHD which challenges the idea that ADHD is an imbalance of neurotransmitters (such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin) in the brain.[3] One research study showed that specifically levels of Candida albicans, were “significantly increased in ADHD patients compared to the healthy controls” [4]

Research shows that many other conditions such as anorexia and bipolar disorder are related to gut health.[5] Furthermore, certain gut conditions, such as celiac disease and excess gut permeability may also contribute to ADHD or increase the risk of developing symptoms related to ADHD.[6] Imbalances in bacteria profiles, a fungal overgrowth or parasitic infections can cause nervous system dysregulation and other symptoms linked to ADHD.[7]

Nutrition

It is important to deal with the symptoms of ADHD from a range of multiple approaches through our diet and lifestyle!

Healthy diets:

A recent large meta-analysis research paper linked strong healthy diets to lower risk of ADHD in children.[8] A diet with more organic vegetables, less processed foods and more healthy proteins was linked to a lower risk of ADHD. More specific research recommends the following:

Less synthetic food colourings: Interesting, specific synthetic food colourings are linked to problems with attention.[9]
Essential vitamins: Vitamin D and Zinc can counteract ADHD symptoms.[10]
Probiotics: Taking probiotics for as little as 8 weeks can improve clinical symptoms of ADHD and improve gut microbes.[11]
Saffron Research from 2019 suggests that saffron may have a similar effect as Ritalin in treating ADHD.[1] It works by boosting dopamine levels and release, reducing neurotransmitter breakdown, and enhancing sleep and mitochondrial function. You can read more here.
Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane has shown consistent cognitive benefits that may help manage ADHD symptoms, specifically attention, memory, and executive function.[12] For more information see https://neurolaunch.com/adhd-and-mushrooms/

Lifestyle:

Along with nutrition, lifestyle is the most important thing we can all make small changes to as we seek optimal health. This can include:

Exercise: Regular exercise can lead to beneficial changes in gut microbiome, and this in turn can lead to better management of ADHD symptoms.
Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for a healthy gut-brain connection and is necessary for optimal function of gut microbiome.
Stress management: Managing and reducing stress in all life’s various domains is incredibly important and rewarding. Less stress in work, relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning can have a beneficial impact on ADHD symptoms.

If you have been thinking you have ADHD or if you would like to explore more personal options for managing symptoms of ADHD, please do speak to me more in your consultation.

In the meantime, a fabulous book which I have just read is Finally Focused by James Greenblatt. The full title is Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD That Restores Attention, Minimizes Hyperactivity, and Helps Eliminate Drug Side Effects and you can find it at the Amazon link here.

With every blessing,

Emma

Emma Maitland-Carew – Registered Nutritional Therapist

Dip.ION, mBANT, CHNC Registered Practitioner, ILM Accredited Wellbeing Coach

Certified Live and Dried Blood Analysis, Metabolic Balance® Coach, HeartMath Coach, Accredited Wellbeing Coach

[1] Clappison E, Hadjivassiliou M, Zis P. Psychiatric Manifestations of Coeliac Disease, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 4;12(1):142. doi: 10.3390/nu12010142. PMID: 31947912; PMCID: PMC7019223.

[2] Payen A, Chen MJ, Carter TG, Kilmer RP, Bennett JM. Childhood ADHD, Going Beyond the Brain: A Meta-Analysis on Peripheral Physiological Markers of the Heart and the Gut. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 1;13:738065. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.738065. PMID: 35299964. PMCID: PMC8921263.

[3] Payen A, Chen MJ, Carter TG, Kilmer RP, Bennett JM. Childhood ADHD, Going Beyond the Brain: A Meta-Analysis on Peripheral Physiological Markers of the Heart and the Gut. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 1;13:738065. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.738065. PMID: 35299964. PMCID: PMC8921263.

[4] Wang L-J, Li S-C, Yeh Y-M, Lee S-Y, Kuo H-C, Yang C-Y. Gut mycobiome dysbiosis and its impact on intestinal permeability in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2023 Sep;64(9):1280–91. DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13779. PMID: 37016804.

[5] Zang Y, Lai X, Li C, Ding D, Wang Y, Zhu Y. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Various Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders-An Evidence Mapping Based on Quantified Evidence. Mediators Inflamm. 2023 Feb 8;2023:5127157. DOI: 10.1155/2023/5127157. PMID: 36816743. PMCID: PMC9936509.

[6] See Özyurt G, Öztürk Y, Appak YÇ, Arslan FD, Baran M, Karakoyun İ, et al. Increased zonulin is associated with hyperactivity and social dysfunctions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Compr Psychiatry. 2018 Oct 29;87:138–42. DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.10.006. PMID: 30414552. See also Clappison E, Hadjivassiliou M, Zis P. Psychiatric Manifestations of Coeliac Disease, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020 Jan 4;12(1). DOI: 10.3390/nu12010142. PMID: 31947912. PMCID: PMC7019223.

[7] Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Hosseininejad Z, Amouei A, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health. 2020 May;114(3):117–26. DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1738153. PMID: 32186992. PMCID: PMC7241521.

[8] Shareghfarid E, Sangsefidi ZS, Salehi-Abargouei A, Hosseinzadeh M. Empirically derived dietary patterns and food groups intake in relation with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020 Apr;36:28–35. DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2019.10.013. PMID: 32220366.

[9] Nigg JT, Lewis K, Edinger T, Falk M. Meta-analysis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, restriction diet, and synthetic food color additives. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012 Jan;51(1):86-97.e8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.10.015. PMID: 22176942. PMCID: PMC4321798.

[10] Rucklidge JJ, Frampton CM, Gorman B, Boggis A. Vitamin-mineral treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Jan 30;204:306–15. DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.132126. PMID: 24482441.

[11] Wang L-J, Yang C-Y, Kuo H-C, Chou W-J, Tsai C-S, Lee S-Y. Effect of Bifidobacterium bifidum on Clinical Characteristics and Gut Microbiota in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. J Pers Med. 2022 Feb 7;12(2). DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020227. PMID: 35207715. PMCID: PMC8877879.

[1] Baziar, S., Aqamolaei, A., Khadem, E., Mortazavi, S., Naderi, S. et al (2019) Crocus sativus L. Versus Methylphenidate in Treatment of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 29:3; 1-8.

[12] Lai, P. L., et al. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(6), 539-554.