Association between adult adhd and generalised joint hypermobility, with and without systemic manifestations: A case-control study

Abstract

Introduction There is growing evidence that generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is associated with several psychiatric conditions. There are no previous studies on adult ADHD. Objectives To evaluate, in a large Swedish sample, if generalised joint hypermobility and adult ADHD are associated. Methods 431 adults with ADHD and 417 controls were included. GJH was assessed by the Beighton Score, a physical examination, and the 5PQ, a self-report screening tool. Exploratively, reported musculoskeletal symptoms and abnormal skin manifestations suggestive of symptomatic GJH (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), were assessed to differentiate this group from the general GJH group. Logistic regressions determined the influence of an ADHD diagnosis and known covariates (age, sex and ethnicity) on GJH and symptomatic GJH respectively. Results ADHD was associated to GJH, as defined by the Beighton Score and the 5PQ, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.65 (CI 95% 3.01-7.18, p