Ehlers-Danlos syndromes links to Autism and ADHD

Did you know that a very large population study by Cerdolof et al (2016) examined the risk of psychiatric disorders in people diagnosed with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) as well as in their siblings.

Using health registry data from over 1.3 million individuals, the researchers found that people with EDS or had significantly elevated risks for several psychiatric conditions, including Autism and ADHD. For example, people diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos are 7.4 times more likely to be autistic and 5.6 times have ADHD. They are more than 3 times likely to have depression and attempted suicide and for ADHD more than 2 half times Bipolar compared to matched controls.

Their siblings had modestly increased risks of psychiatric conditions particularly ADHD, depression and suicide attempts. This suggests that shared genetic or environmental factors may contribute to both connective tissue disorders and psychiatric conditions.

The findings highlight the need for greater clinical awareness of mental health vulnerabilities in people with EDS and hypermobility and possibly among their family members, supporting a more integrated and preventative approach in healthcare.

This was the first large population study. This is why it is so important to keep the diagnosis pathway joined up and connected.

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