Diagnosed when an individual has problems caused by hypermobility such as musculoskeletal pain/complications, but none of the conditions specific to Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder

A group of rare genetic conditions that affect the connective tissues that provide support for blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, bones, internal organs, and skin.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS)

Musculoskeletal complications include limb pain, chronic widespread pain, recurrent dislocations, and/or joint instability.

*only one secondary musculoskeletal manifestation is required to make a diagnosis of Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder for hypermobile individuals* 

Musculoskeletal Complications in Symptomatic GJH

Systemic manifestations include unusually soft or velvety skin, mild skin hyper-elasticity, atrophic scarring, and/or bruising easily

Systemic Manifestations in Symptomatic GJH

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).

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. 

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)

Beighton Scoring System

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

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