
Around
If you number among those 3.4 million people, you might be much more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than the general population.
Like epilepsy, ADHD affects your brain, though it doesn’t cause seizures. ADHD symptoms typically relate to your ability to concentrate and focus your attention, though you might also experience hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Experts have yet to determine exactly why these two conditions appear together so often, since neither condition directly causes the other. Rather, they seem to share biological roots.
Read on to learn more about the shared risk factors for ADHD and epilepsy, as well as how certain medications may have an impact on your symptoms.
FYI
ADHD, which affects 8.4% of kids and 2.5% of adults, is more common than epilepsy.
Because of this difference, most studies measure how many people with epilepsy also have ADHD, rather than the other way around.
The same factors that cause epilepsy may also increase your chances of developing ADHD.
These include:
- genetics
- brain structure differences
- brain injury
- prenatal exposure to drugs or toxins, especially alcohol
If you have both epilepsy and ADHD, you may also have
- Less thalamus volume: One
small 2012 study suggested that fewer nerve fibers coming out of the thalamus may lead to inattention symptoms. - Less gray matter in the frontal lobe: The frontal lobe helps you make decisions. A small 2016 study linked less gray matter in this area to the inattentive subtype of ADHD.
- Less brain stem volume: If you have a smaller brain stem, you may have a harder time staying alert, according to a
small 2014 study .
In adults vs. kids
Children with epilepsy tend to have much higher rates of co-occurring ADHD than adults with epilepsy. While
Of course, some of this reported difference may relate to the fact that both epilepsy and ADHD are often diagnosed in young childhood.
The average age of onset for epilepsy is
As an added complication, adult ADHD tends to be underdiagnosed. Symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity can be more subjective than seizures. So, you may get a diagnosis of epilepsy before an ADHD diagnosis, even if you have both conditions.
Does ADHD type make a difference?
People with epilepsy may be
It’s certainly possible to have epilepsy and combined type ADHD, though — and when these conditions occur together, they may involve more severe symptoms.
According to one
- generalized seizures
- earlier symptom onset
- drug-resistant epilepsy
No evidence suggests epilepsy can cause ADHD, or vice versa. Yet, since the conditions often appear around the same time, it can certainly seem like one condition triggers the other.
Your family history plays a major role in whether you have both conditions. According to a
- 56% if you have a sibling with epilepsy
- 64% if your father has epilepsy
- 85% if your mother has epilepsy
Having a family member with epilepsy or ADHD doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop either condition yourself. But if you have a family history of one or both conditions, paying attention to early signs of epilepsy and ADHD can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment sooner rather than later.
Your ADHD symptoms may worsen if you also have epilepsy.
Having ADHD and epilepsy together can also be more difficult to manage than either condition alone. A
- a lower quality of life
- worse physical health
- more difficulties with social function
- a higher chance of being unable to work due to disability
Medication often plays an essential role in both ADHD and epilepsy treatment. However, the medication for one condition may worsen symptoms of the other condition.
Can antiepileptic drugs worsen ADHD?
Some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) cause side effects that resemble ADHD symptoms. They can also worsen existing ADHD symptoms, including:
- trouble focusing
- executive dysfunction, or difficulty with planning and managing impulses
- impaired short-term memory
- agitation or fidgeting
The AEDs most likely to exacerbate ADHD symptoms include:
On the flip side, other AEDs may help improve ADHD symptoms. These medications include:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol)
- lacosamide (Vimpat)
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Carbamazepine and lamotrigine may also help enhance attention.
Can ADHD medications worsen epilepsy?
The ADHD medication atomoxetine (Strattera) may worsen seizures for some people with epilepsy.
In a 2020 study involving 105 Korean children and adolescents with epilepsy and ADHD who took atomoxetine, about
For the most part, though, ADHD medications appear safe for many people with epilepsy.
A large
Could ADHD medication lower seizure risk?
In a
The researchers suggested treating ADHD symptoms may have helped participants remember to take their epilepsy medication. They also noted that improvements in ADHD symptoms may have helped ease stress and minimize alcohol use, both of which can prompt seizures.
It’s also possible that taking ADHD medication led to changes in the brain that helped reduce participants’ seizure risk.
If you live with both ADHD and epilepsy, finding the right treatment can go a long way toward helping you manage symptoms effectively.
Treatment for comorbid ADHD and epilepsy may involve medication, therapy, and occupational interventions.
Medication
Not much research has explored the most effective combinations of AEDs and ADHD medication. Your doctor will likely prescribe medication based on the type of ADHD and epilepsy you have.
Always take your medications exactly as prescribed, since increasing or decreasing your dose on your own can have serious health consequences. If you experience uncomfortable side effects or worsened symptoms, your doctor or psychiatrist can adjust your dosages safely, with as little disruption to treatment as possible.
If you notice any change in your symptoms after starting a new medication, let your care team know right away so they can address it.
Psychotherapy
If you have both ADHD and epilepsy, therapy may help with some of your symptoms.
According to the
- depression along with these conditions
- neurocognitive concerns, such as difficulty controlling impulses
- difficulty taking medication as prescribed
The specific type of therapy you find most helpful can depend on the issues you want help with. If behavioral concerns or seizures disrupt home or school life, family therapy could make a difference.
On the other hand, if you need help sticking with treatment or avoiding symptom triggers, you might consider:
Learn more about treatment options for ADHD.
Occupational interventions
Children with both ADHD and epilepsy may need extra support in school. You can work with your child’s teachers to find the most effective accommodations for their specific needs.
Cooperating with your school becomes especially important if your child has a learning disability, such as dyslexia or dysgraphia.
According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, almost 50% of people with epilepsy also have a learning disability. Among kids with ADHD, around 30% also have a learning disability.
As an adult with comorbid ADHD and epilepsy, you may be eligible for workplace accommodations. It’s also a good idea to let your co-workers know about potential seizure triggers, like flashing lights, to make your workplace as safe as possible for you.
Many people with epilepsy also have ADHD, and having both conditions can have more of an impact on your daily life than either condition alone.
That said, getting professional treatment can make a big difference in your symptoms and your overall quality of life.
Finding the right treatment approach may involve some trial and error, since some medications designed to treat one set of symptoms can worsen other symptoms. Always inform your care team about any comfortable side effects or worsening symptoms, and talk with them before you stop taking your medication.
Emily Swaim is a freelance health writer and editor who specializes in psychology. She has a BA in English from Kenyon College and an MFA in writing from California College of the Arts. In 2021, she received her Board of Editors in Life Sciences (BELS) certification. You can find more of her work on GoodTherapy, Verywell, Investopedia, Vox, and Insider. Find her on Twitter and LinkedIn.