Joint hypermobility (JHM) is a common trait in the general population with a wide range of possible clinical correlates. While many individuals featuring JHM are healthy, it is also the hallmark of a set of hereditary connective tissue disorders such as the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). In the middle, there are people manifesting JHM and a multitude of musculoskeletal complaints, a combination recently defined hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). HSD have many in common with hypermobile EDS and a continuous spectrum bridging HSD to hEDS is now identified (hEDS/HSD).
Recent research suggests a high concurrence of neurodevelopmental atypisms in people with JHM/HSD/(h)EDS, including autistic behaviors, hyperactivity, learning and motor problems, as well as a high comorbidity with mental disorders such as anxiety and mood disorders. Despite that, a link between JHM/HSD/(h)EDS and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric conditions remains without well-defined underlying mechanisms and, hence, it is rarely established in clinical settings. Exploring this field will offer novel opportunities for improving the quality of life of affected individuals and will contribute to our understanding of the body-mind connections.
The goal of this Research Topic is to promote understanding of body-mind connections in the context of JHM/HSD/(h)EDS. For clinicians, we aim to provide an up-to-date knowledge about diagnosis and management of the neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric expression in JHM/HSD/(h)EDS, as well as monitoring clues of pain, functional and psychosocial impairment of patients, especially when presenting with neurodevelopmental and/or mental comorbidities.
For researchers, the topic will try enlightening the complex relationship between neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders and JHM/HSD/(h)EDS, through the study of biopsychosocial risk factors. The methodological problems for achieving standardization of evaluations will also be addressed.
We will welcome Original Studies, Reviews and Case Studies/case series covering the following topics:
• Comorbidity between neurodevelopmental disorders and JHM, HSD and/or EDS
• Comorbidity between neuropsychiatric disorders and JHM, HSD and/or EDS
• Dimensional psychopathology/neurodevelopmental attributes
• Biological basis for comorbidity
• Diagnostic and differential diagnostic challenges
• Psychosocial outcomes (e.g., quality of life, adjustment to disease, coping strategies)
• Treatment approaches for JHM
• Methodological proposals to achieve standardized evaluations