Migraines And ADHD: Understanding The Connection And Symptoms

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition and form of neurodivergence that usually involves symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In some cases, people with ADHD may experience physical symptoms like migraines. Understanding the connection between ADHD and migraines may help individuals cope with their symptoms and find techniques for reducing pain. Doctors and licensed therapists may be able to offer various treatment options as well. 

Explore professional coping skills in therapy

Connect with a compassionate therapist online

Symptoms of ADHD

There are three subtypes of ADHD mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), including primarily inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI), hyperactive-impulsive ADHD (ADHD-HI), and combined type, which normally involves symptoms of the other two subtypes. ADD is no longer a diagnosis in the DSM-V. 

According to the DSM-V, the diagnostic criteria for primarily inattentive ADHD generally include the following: 

• Difficulty paying close attention to details 
• Making mistakes at work or during other activities
• Difficulty sustaining attention while completing tasks 
• Difficulty listening when spoken to directly
• Difficulty following through on instructions and finishing tasks due to loss of focus or becoming sidetracked
• Difficulty organizing activities 
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained focus 
• Losing items, such as keys, wallets, or documents
• Being easily distracted
• Forgetfulness

Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD may include the following: 

• Fidgeting behaviors 
• Difficulty sitting still 
• Restlessness
• Difficulty taking part in leisure activities quietly
• A sense that one is “driven by a motor” or always “on the go” 
• Talking excessively or loudly
• Blurting out answers to questions or phrases before someone has finished speaking 
• Difficulty waiting 
• Interrupting or intruding on others

Combined type ADHD can include symptoms from both above categories. In general, all symptoms must have been present before age 12 for at least six months and must be inconsistent with one’s developmental level. Symptoms must generally impact daily functioning and cannot be the result of substance use or another mental or physical health condition. 

Are migraines and ADHD connected? 

There may be a biological link between migraines and ADHD. According to the Association of Migraine Disorders, one study found that approximately 28.3% of 572 individuals with ADHD experienced migraines. People who experienced auras during their migraine were usually more likely to be impacted by ADHD as well. These migraines tended to be most common in those over 40. 

In a 2018 study, researchers found that migraines may be strongly associated with ADHD, especially in women. These findings were so significant that the authors concluded ADHD and migraines could be comorbid with each other, similarly to how migraines may be comorbid with other mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety disorders. 

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) note several other statistics on migraines in individuals with ADHD, including the following: 

• Adult men with ADHD may be two times more likely than men without ADHD to experience migraines. 
• The severity of ADHD symptoms in children can be connected to the frequency of migraines they experience. 
• ADHD migraines may occur in people of any age and gender. 

Why do ADHD migraines occur? 

There are various theories regarding why and how ADHD might be connected to migraines or headaches. Hormones, such as excess estrogen or progesterone, often cause migraines in women. 

In addition, migraines may occur more frequently in children with ADHD, potentially showcasing a connection between age and migraines. 

Migraines and executive dysfunction in the brain

While updated research may be necessary, some researchers believe that migraines may cause more significant executive dysfunction and cognitive disturbances, which may make ADHD symptoms in children more severe. 

Ways to relieve ADHD migraines 

If you are living with ADHD and migraines, there are a few steps you can take to cope with these symptoms. 

Determine the causes of your migraines so you can avoid them 

Migraines often occur after an inciting event or circumstance. Below are some of the most common causes of migraines: 

• Sleep difficulties or a lack of sleep 
• Alcohol and substance use
• Sunlight or weather changes
• Certain medications
• Certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, cheese, or coffee
• Hormonal changes or the menstrual cycle 
• Physical strain, such as frequent exercise
• Humidity 
• Not eating or drinking enough 
• Stress
• Electronic light (using a computer or phone) 
• Dehydration 
• Injuries
• Loud noise 
• Significant sensory input (for example, a crowded, loud, and bright environment) 

Identifying what commonly causes your migraines can help you avoid them. Consider starting a “migraine journal” where you track your symptoms and the activities you participated in that day. 

Talk to your doctor or neurologist for medication

Migraines are a medical symptom that may sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. When you start experiencing migraines, reaching out to your primary care provider can be crucial to determine the cause. A provider may also prescribe medication to prevent or stop migraines when they occur, depending on the severity. 

Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis. 

Practice exercises to release muscle tension

In some cases, migraines may be caused by muscle tension, which can result from stress. Muscle relaxation exercises can be a helpful way to cope with pain and reduce the physical impacts of mental health symptoms that might be associated with ADHD. Below are a few muscle tension reduction exercises to try: 

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation generally involves tensing one of your muscle groups at a time, releasing the tension, and taking a deep breath. 
• Body scan meditation: A body scan meditation typically involves scanning each part of your body from top to bottom or bottom to top and imagining each muscle relaxing slowly. Release any tension you notice during the meditation. 
• Massage therapy: Massages can be a way to reduce muscle tension and knots that may be contributing to strain on your head or causing migraines. 

Reduce stress in daily life to avoid ADHD migraines

Self-care habits that may reduce migraine headache incidences

Reducing stressors may be a way to reduce the occurrence of migraines. Below are a few self-care habits you might try to reduce stress: 

• Eating nutritious meals: Eating foods high in nutrients can be crucial to keeping the body’s systems functioning optimally. 
• Getting enough sleep: A lack of sleep can cause stress and migraines. Practice good sleep hygiene, such as sleeping in a cool, dark room and avoiding technology for an hour before bed, to get better sleep each night.
• Journaling: Journaling about stress and ADHD symptoms may reduce your stress levels and tends to be associated with improved mental health.  
• Creating art: Art may be directly linked to reduced stress and increased mental wellness. Consider painting, sculpting, drawing, or another form of art. 
• Taking a break: It can be tempting to fill your schedule with many busy activities to cope with the difficult symptoms of ADHD. However, busyness may increase stress levels and migraine frequency. Consider taking a break to fully relax. 

Explore professional coping skills in therapy

Connect with a compassionate therapist online

Talk to a therapist to manage ADHD symptoms

If ADHD symptoms are making it difficult to manage daily life, it may be helpful to talk to a licensed therapist. A therapist can guide you through challenging symptoms and ways to manage functional difficulties. However, some people with ADHD may find it challenging to connect with a therapist due to time constraints, difficulty with organization, or financial challenges. In these cases, it may be helpful to reach out to a therapist online through a platform like BetterHelp. 

Online therapy as an effective treatment for migraines and ADHD

Research generally supports online therapy as an effective form of treatment for ADHD. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis reported that online therapy could be especially effective for improving social function and attention deficit in adults with ADHD.

Online therapy can also effectively address chronic pain, such as that associated with migraines.