Is There a Link Between ADHD & Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
11% of children and 6% of adults have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). MCAS has an estimated prevalence of 17%, although it is rarely recognized. It’s not uncommon for MCAS and ADHD to appear together.
Let’s take a closer look at what recent research can tell us about this.
What is MCAS?
Everyone has mast cells in their body. They play an important role in the immune system. MCAS occurs when mast cells become overactive and release histamine and other chemicals into the body, which can cause symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headache, itchiness, and digestive issues, among others. The result? An overwhelming immune system response and inflammation that can impact many different systems of the body.
Overview of ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, hyperfocusing on certain tasks, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty with organization, among others.
Overlapping Symptoms
Fatigue
MCAS can cause energy depletion through immune system dysfunction, and ADHD can cause mental exhaustion from the effort that’s required to maintain focus.
Sensory Sensitivity
Heightened sensitivity to sensory input such as light, sound, touch, or smell that can lead to sensory overload, feeling overstimulated, and difficulty finding comfort in your surroundings.
Brain Fog
Cognitive difficulties such as memory recall concerns, mental fogginess or fatigue, and feeling disconnected.
Mood Concerns
Difficulty regulating responses in emotionally-charged situations, and feeling irritable and overwhelmed.
Role of Mast Cells in Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation is when the brain or nervous system becomes inflamed or irritated. This can occur when the body’s immune cells, such as mast cells, respond to injury, infection, or other stressors. Mast cells have been found to contribute to neuroinflammation in other conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), depression, stroke, autism spectrum disorder, and chronic pain, among others.
Role of Mast Cells in ADHD?
Recent research suggests that neuroinflammation driven by mast cells releasing mediators like histamine might play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ADHD. An association between ADHD and inflammation was recently discovered, but the connection or exact role of mast cells in ADHD requires further investigation because underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear.
The question regarding the link between ADHD and MCAS has been receiving more attention lately. Both conditions share symptoms, which can make it hard to tell them apart. It’s also not unusual for them to occur at the same time.
Understanding the connection between them through further research could help improve how we treat both conditions.
PMID: 32742317; PMID: 38003876; PMID: 37629392; CDC: Data and Statistics on ADHD (2024); CDC: Facts About ADHD in Adults (2024)
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as behavioral health or medical advice. It is not intended or implied to supplement or replace treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis from your own qualified healthcare provider.