some scientists speculate that joint hypermobility may represent a gene marker for an underlying systemic disorder that has both physical behavioral manifestations when thinking about why ADHD and GJH have such a strong association

Does GJH Represent a Gene Marker?

Recent studies have found an association between ADHD and Generalized Joint Hypermobitity (GJH) in adults

Symptomatic GJH has a stronger link to adult ADHD than non-specified GJH

Ithaca College

Defined as the ability to extend one's synovial joints beyond the normal range of motion; can be either symptomatic or non-specified and prevalence depends on age, ethnicity, and biological sex (Glans et al, 2021). 

*note that GJH is a descriptor, not a diagnosis and many people with GJH are asymptomatic 

Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH)

Glans, M., Thelin, N., Humble, M. B., Elwin, M., & Bejerot, S. (2021). Association between adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalised joint hypermobility: A cross-sectional case control comparison. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 143, 334–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.07.006 


Association between adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalized joint hypermobility: A cross-sectional case control comparison. 

Defined by the presence of additional pain, musculoskeletal symptoms,  systemic manifestations, and/or skin abnormalities

The most commons forms of symptomatic GJH are Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Glans et al, 2021).

Symptomatic GJH

Most common type of GJH, defined by Beighton Scoring System only, no associated pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, or skin abnormalities (Glans et al, 2021).

Non-Specified GJH

A clinical tool consisting of a set of physical manouvres performed to assess patients for joint hypermobility using a 9-point scoring system; used as a part of the diagnostic process for various hypermobility disorders (Malek et al, 2021)

Learn Before

Related

Learn After