MyEpilepsyTeam

First of all, getting a new diagnosis on top of everything else you're already managing can feel overwhelming — even if, as you said, it's something you've lived with your whole life. A label can feel strange, but it can also open doors to support and strategies that weren't available before.

To your question — yes, epilepsy Show Full Answer

First of all, getting a new diagnosis on top of everything else you're already managing can feel overwhelming — even if, as you said, it's something you've lived with your whole life. A label can feel strange, but it can also open doors to support and strategies that weren't available before.

To your question — yes, epilepsy and ADHD are genuinely connected. ADHD is actually considered the most common co-occurring condition among people with epilepsy. Here's what's known:

- Between 30% and 40% of children with epilepsy also have ADHD
- Around 20% of adults with epilepsy have ADHD, compared to just 2.5%–4% in the general population
- The connection goes both ways — people with ADHD are also more likely to experience seizures Researchers believe both conditions may share common roots, including how the brain develops, as well as factors like stress, anxiety, or inflammation that can disrupt brain function. Shared risk factors include family history of both conditions, complications during pregnancy, and premature birth. One important thing to be aware of is that some anti-seizure medications can actually worsen ADHD symptoms — particularly phenobarbital, and more so when taking multiple medications at once. It's worth having an open conversation with your neurologist about this, especially as you start navigating your ADHD diagnosis.

Many MyEpilepsyTeam members have shared similar feelings of confusion about which condition is causing what. As one MyEpilepsyTeam member put it humorously: "Was epilepsy the chicken or the egg? No matter, my brain is scrambled 😁."

You're definitely not alone in trying to piece it all together.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

ADHD and Epilepsy: What’s the Connection?