Story perspectives

Study Reveals Complex Link Between Cortisol and ADHD

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found no direct causal link between morning cortisol levels and ADHD.
Researchers from Brazil and Denmark found two genomic regions with bidirectional associations: one links higher ADHD risk to lower cortisol, the other links higher cortisol to higher ADHD.
The findings suggest genes influence both ADHD and related externalizing disorders, showing a complex biological interplay.
The study notes European ancestry focus may limit generalizability.

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Story summary

A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found no direct causal link between morning cortisol levels and ADHD.
Researchers from Brazil and Denmark found two genomic regions with bidirectional associations: one links higher ADHD risk to lower cortisol, the other links higher cortisol to higher ADHD.
The findings suggest genes influence both ADHD and related externalizing disorders, showing a complex biological interplay.
The study notes European ancestry focus may limit generalizability.