Your Body Is Talking But Your ADHD Brain Can't Hear It - Here's What That Means

The neurological reason why self-care feels impossible and emotions hit like lightning bolts when you have ADHD.ReferencesBruton, A., Levy, L., Rai, N., Colgan, D., & Johnstone, J. (2025). Diminished interoceptive accuracy in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Psychophysiology, 62(2), e14750. https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14750Christiansen, L., Beck, M., Bilenberg, N., Wienecke, J., Astrup, A., & Lundbye-Jensen, J. (2019). Effects of exercise on cognitive performance in children and adolescents with ADHD: Potential mechanisms and evidence-based recommendations. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(6), 841. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8060841Kutscheidt, K., Dresler, T., Hudak, J., Barth, B., Blume, F., Ethofer, T., Fallgatter, A., & Ehlis, A. (2019). Interoceptive awareness in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(4), 395-401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-019-00299-3Lambez, B., Harwood-Gross, A., Golumbic, E., & Rassovsky, Y. (2020). Non-pharmacological interventions for cognitive difficulties in ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 120, 40-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.10.007Ng, Q., Ho, C., Chan, H., Yong, B., & Yeo, W. (2017). Managing childhood and adolescent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with exercise: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 34, 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.018Petrovic, P., & Castellanos, F. (2016). Top-down dysregulation—From ADHD to emotional instability. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 10, 70. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00070Saccaro, L., Schilliger, Z., Perroud, N., & Piguet, C. (2021). Inflammation, anxiety, and stress in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Biomedicines, 9(10), 1313. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9101313Wiersema, J., & Godefroid, E. (2018). Interoceptive awareness in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. PLoS ONE, 13(10), e0205221. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205221Yang, H., Zhou, H., Li, Y., Cui, Y., Xiang, Y., Yuan, R., Lui, S., & Chan, R. (2022). Decreased interoceptive accuracy in children with autism spectrum disorder and with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Autism Research, 15(4), 729-739. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2679Zhu, F., Zhu, X., Bi, X., Kuang, D., Liu, B., Zhou, J., Yang, Y., & Ren, Y. (2023). Comparative effectiveness of various physical exercise interventions on executive functions and related symptoms in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1133727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1133727DisclaimerEducational Content Notice: This podcast episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content presented is based on current scientific research and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.Not Medical Advice: The information shared in this podcast does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers regarding any medical condition, including ADHD.Individual Variation: ADHD affects individuals differently, and the research discussed represents general patterns that may not apply to every person. Interoceptive awareness varies among individuals with ADHD, and experiences may differ significantly from person to person.Research Limitations: While the research cited represents current scientific understanding, the field of interoceptive awareness in ADHD is still developing. Some connections discussed are theoretical and require further empirical validation. Future research may modify or contradict some findings presented.Professional Consultation: If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, difficulties with body awareness, emotional regulation challenges, or other mental health concerns, please consult with qualified mental health professionals, physicians, or other appropriate healthcare providers.No Therapeutic Relationship: Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapeutic or professional relationship with the host or any affiliated organizations.Self-Care and Wellbeing: The discussion of interoceptive challenges should not discourage appropriate self-care practices. If you have concerns about your ability to sense hunger, fatigue, or other bodily signals, please consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.Academic Sources: All research cited has been sourced from peer-reviewed academic journals and systematic reviews. References are provided for verification and further reading.The host and producers of this podcast are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided in this episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit esthernava.substack.com