Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
05:48
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review.
Beatriz Rodrigues1, Isabel M Miranda2, Sofia Costa de Oliveira2
1Faculty of Medicine, The University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
Microorganisms
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to gut microbiota changes, particularly in bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids. While diversity is often similar, specific bacterial compositions differ between individuals with ADHD and controls.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition.
- The gut-brain axis is increasingly recognized for its role in ADHD pathophysiology.
- Existing research on gut microbiota in ADHD presents inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on gut microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with ADHD.
- To identify consistent patterns of gut microbial alterations associated with ADHD.
- To highlight limitations and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 31, 2025.
- PRISMA guidelines followed for study selection and data extraction.
- Inclusion of 23 studies published between 2015 and 2025 focusing on gut microbiota in ADHD.
Main Results:
- No consistent significant differences in alpha-diversity (within-group microbial diversity) were found between ADHD and control groups.
- Beta-diversity analysis (between-group microbial composition) revealed significant differences.
- ADHD was associated with reduced abundance of *Alistipes* and butyrate producers (e.g., *Faecalibacterium*), and increased abundance of *Roseburia* and *Agathobacter*.
- Some studies suggest early-life microbial patterns may precede ADHD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- ADHD is associated with gut microbiota alterations, particularly in taxa involved in short-chain fatty acid production and immune regulation.
- Inconsistencies in findings are attributed to methodological heterogeneity and confounding factors.
- Future research should utilize longitudinal multi-omics approaches to elucidate causal mechanisms and develop targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:18Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota
The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
01:21Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics
Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...