A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that one in four people seeking help for chronic pain may have undiagnosed ADHD traits. These traits don’t cause pain directly but worsen it through psychological “ multipliers” like anxiety and depression.
The Research
Dr. Satoshi Kasahara and his team surveyed nearly 1,000 chronic pain patients at specialized pain centers across Japan. They assessed ADHD- and autism-related traits using validated questionnaires. The results were striking: about 25% of patients showed significant ADHD traits, compared to just 3–7% in the general adult population. This means chronic pain patients are 2.4 times more likely to have ADHD traits than average.
The study, published in Neuroscience News, also found that ADHD traits correlated with higher pain severity and more intense anxiety, depression, and “pain catastrophizing” — a pattern of negative thinking about pain. Importantly, ADHD traits did not directly cause physical pain; instead, they appeared to fuel emotional distress, which in turn lowered pain tolerance and heightened pain perception.
Why It Matters
For the estimated 50 million Americans with chronic pain, this research offers a new lens. Many adults with ADHD go undiagnosed, and when they enter pain clinics, conventional physical treatments often fail. Screening for ADHD could unlock more effective, tailored care that addresses both the neurodevelopmental and psychological components of pain.
If you struggle with persistent pain and find yourself easily distracted, impulsive, or emotionally reactive, it might be worth exploring whether undiagnosed ADHD plays a role. This isn’t about labeling yourself but about understanding the full picture of your cognition.
What You Can Do
- If you have chronic pain and suspect ADHD, talk to a healthcare provider about a formal evaluation.
- Consider psychological therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that target pain catastrophizing and anxiety.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help regulate emotional responses to pain.
Source: Neuroscience News
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