Your ADHD Toolkit Is Missing Something: Meet the Vagus Nerve

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Jun 2, 2025

Discover how your nervous system might be the missing piece in managing ADHD. Explore the fascinating link between ADHD and the vagus nerve, revealing how dysregulation impacts emotional responses. Learn why traditional strategies may fall short and how polyvagal theory can reshape ADHD treatment. This deep dive into the autonomic nervous system uncovers the science behind procrastination, burnout, and the relentless 'on' feeling. It's all about real science and practical insights to enhance emotional regulation and understanding.

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INSIGHT

Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation in ADHD

The autonomic nervous system, including the vagus nerve, controls automatic body functions like heart rate and relaxation.
People with ADHD tend to have autonomic dysregulation, especially reduced parasympathetic activity, making it hard to relax.

INSIGHT

Polyvagal Theory's Role in ADHD

Polyvagal theory explains how the vagus nerve balances between fight/flight and relaxation states.
ADHD may involve an inability to properly regulate these nervous system responses, contributing to emotional and social challenges.

INSIGHT

Three Vagus Nerve Pathways Impact Health

Polyvagal theory divides vagus nerve function into safety/social engagement, fight/flight, and freeze responses.
Dysregulation among these responses affects mental and physical health, linking ADHD to autonomic nervous system issues.

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You’ve got strategies and systems, but you still feel like your brain is always “on.” You might be overlooking your nervous system.

This episode introduces a fast-rising body of ADHD research around polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation. We’re breaking down the science, the controversy, and why this might be the next frontier in ADHD support.

In this episode:

Why breathing wrong could be keeping you stuck
What the autonomic nervous system has to do with procrastination, burnout, and freeze mode
How polyvagal theory explains that “can’t shut down” feeling

No breathwork hype, no vague advice, just real science, grounded insight, and new tools.

References:

Feeling Safe: A Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review of Psychiatric Disorders through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory

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