The ADHD Adults Podcast Episode 193 ADHD & Dysautonomia
Oct 6, 2025
Explore the intriguing connection between ADHD and dysautonomia, where hosts dive into how the autonomic nervous system affects heart rate and blood pressure. Discover the challenges of managing emotions and bodily functions, with personal stories of tachycardia and panic. The lively discussion includes how ADHD medications can influence autonomic responses. Enjoy a playful quiz and the usual banter as they wrap up the enlightening chat! It’s a mix of education, personal experiences, and humor.
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HRV Reveals Autonomic Flexibility Issues
- Heart rate variability (HRV) measures autonomic flexibility and links to stress and emotional regulation in ADHD.
- Research shows mixed HRV results, so ADHD-related autonomic differences vary between individuals.
Hypermobility, POTS And ADHD Overlap
- Hypermobility disorders like hEDS often co-occur with dysautonomia and ADHD, suggesting overlapping mechanisms.
- The causal links (collagen, genetics, or shared vulnerability) remain unclear.
Polyvagal Framing Explains Rapid State Flips
- Polyvagal theory frames nervous states as safe/social, stressed, or shut down, explaining rapid state flips in ADHD.
- These flips contribute to shame, emotional dysregulation and social overwhelm.
