Research suggests link between EDS and ADHD

What are ADHD and EDS?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that affect daily functioning and development. It's one of the most common childhood disorders, which can continue into adulthood.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of disorders affecting connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues. It's known for symptoms like hypermobile joints and highly elastic, fragile skin. EDS has several subtypes, each with its unique set of manifestations.

Is ADHD related to EDS?

Recent studies have begun to shed light on a potential link between ADHD and EDS, suggesting that individuals with EDS may have a higher prevalence of ADHD symptoms compared to the general population. This connection is thought to arise from the shared underlying genetic, biological, and neurological pathways that influence the development of connective tissues and neurological functions.

Genetic and Biological Factors

Both ADHD and EDS have significant genetic components, with research identifying genetic markers common to both conditions. The role of collagen, crucial for connective tissues, has been examined in relation to neurological development, pointing towards a biological nexus that may explain the co-occurrence of ADHD and EDS.

Neurological Pathways

Dysfunctions in neurotransmitter systems, especially those involving dopamine and serotonin, are linked to ADHD. Similar disruptions may occur in EDS individuals, potentially due to connective tissue anomalies affecting neural development and function, indicating a neurobiological foundation for the simultaneous presence of ADHD and EDS.

Implications for Treatment and Management

Recognizing the connection between ADHD and EDS is vital for developing comprehensive treatment strategies. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to adopt multidisciplinary approaches, integrating medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and educational support to manage the dual challenges posed by these conditions effectively.

Recent Research connecting ADHD to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome:

• Prevalence and Psychiatric Co-morbidities: The significant overlap between ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and EDS/hypermobility spectrum disorders underscores the need for routine neuropsychiatric screening in affected individuals .
• Connective Tissue and Psychological Distress: Investigations into joint hypermobility and its psychological impacts reveal ADHD symptoms as a critical area for future research, emphasizing the psychosocial dimensions of EDS .
• Psychiatric and Psychological Aspects: The exploration of psychiatric and psychological facets in EDS, including therapeutic interventions for ADHD, highlights the comprehensive care required for these patients .
• Nationwide Population-Based Studies: Large-scale cohort studies have identified a positive correlation between psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, and EDS/hypermobility syndrome, reinforcing the importance of psychiatric evaluation in EDS management .
• Psychiatry's Role in EDS: Reviews in the field of psychiatry address the intersection with ADHD, advocating for integrated diagnostic and treatment approaches to address the complexities of EDS .
• Amphetamines can be helpful for symptoms of POTS (click here to read more), and POTS is a very common co-occuring condition in people who have EDS.

Future Research Directions

Further investigation into the genetic, biological, and neurological underpinnings of ADHD and EDS is essential for advancing treatment modalities and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by both conditions.

Conclusion

The burgeoning evidence of a nexus between ADHD and EDS underscores the complexities inherent in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Enhanced understanding and integrated care strategies promise to improve outcomes for individuals navigating the challenges of both ADHD and EDS.

By weaving in detailed insights from recent studies, this updated article provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape regarding ADHD and EDS, setting the stage for future advancements in research and clinical practice.

Sources:

1. Ehlers-Danlos Society. (n.d.). Webinar: Hypermobility and Neurodiversity. Available at: https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/webinar-hypermobility-and-neurodiversity/. This webinar discusses the connection between hypermobility and various forms of neurodiversity, including ADHD.
2. Eccles, J. A., Beacher, F. D. C. C., Gray, M. A., Jones, C. L., Minati, L., Harrison, N. A., & Critchley, H. D. (2021). Brain structure and joint hypermobility: relevance to the expression of psychiatric symptoms. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 46(1), E210-E219. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022395621004258. This study explores the relationship between brain structure, joint hypermobility, and the manifestation of psychiatric symptoms, including ADHD.
3. Huguet, A., McGrath, P. J., Stinson, J., Tougas, M. E., Doucette, S., & Jordan, I. (2022). Pain in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and associated factors. Pain Reports, 7(1), e957. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8847158/. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the prevalence of pain and associated factors in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or ADHD, with relevance to conditions like EDS.
4. Kindgren, E., Quiñones Perez, A., & others. (2021). Prevalence of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children with hypermobility spectrum disorders or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a retrospective study. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2147/NDT.S290494‍
5. Sinibaldi, L., Ursini, G., Castori, M. (2015). Manifestations of joint hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: The link between connective tissue and psychological distress. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics. Wiley Online Library. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajmg.c.31430‍
6. Bulbena, A., Baeza‐Velasco, C., & others. (2017). Psychiatric and psychological aspects in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics. Wiley Online Library. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajmg.c.31544‍
7. Cederlöf, M., Larsson, H., Lichtenstein, P., Almqvist, C., & others. (2016). Nationwide population-based cohort study of psychiatric disorders in individuals with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome or hypermobility syndrome and their siblings. BMC Psychiatry. Springer. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-016-0922-6‍
8. Ishiguro, H., Yagasaki, H., Horiuchi, Y. (2022). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in the field of psychiatry: a review. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Frontiers. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.803898/full

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