Rates of likely neurodivergence and variant connective tissue in patients with chronic pain/chronic fatigue: a case-control study, 2026, Quadt, Eccles

Dolphin

Dolphin

Senior Member (Voting Rights)

Journal of Psychiatric Research​

Available online 18 February 2026
In Press, Journal Pre-proofWhat’s this?


Rates of likely neurodivergence and variant connective tissue in patients with chronic pain/chronic fatigue: a case-control study​


Lisa Quadt a b c, Georgia Savage a, Rod Bond d, Kevin A. Davies a e, Hugo D. Critchley a b c, Jessica A. Eccles a b c

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2026.02.036Get rights and content

Highlights​

  • •
    Chronic pain/fatigue patients were 14 times more likely to meet criteria for autism
  • •
    Chronic pain/fatigue patients were 13 times more likely to meet criteria for ADHD
  • •
    Variant connective tissue mediated this relationship
  • •
    This reveals a trans-diagnostic pattern of major clinical importance

Abstract​

Neurodivergent traits are frequently observed in individuals with chronic pain and/or chronic fatigue (CP/CF), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

This study investigated the prevalence of likely autism and ADHD in patients with CP/CF and examined whether joint hypermobility—a marker of variant connective tissue—mediated this relationship.

We conducted a case-control study using an online survey. Eighty-three adults with CP/CF and 91 adults from a non-clinical comparison group completed validated screening measures for autism, ADHD, and joint hypermobility.

Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for likely neurodivergence were calculated using binary logistic regression.

Mediation analysis tested whether joint hypermobility explained the association between likely neurodivergence and CP/CF. Participants with CP/CF had markedly higher odds of likely autism (adjusted OR 14.3 95% CI [6.5, 31.5]) and likely ADHD (adjusted OR 12.9 95% CI [5.0, 26.7]) than the comparison group.

The presence of joint hypermobility significantly mediated the relationship between neurodivergent traits and CP/CF (indirect effect: b=1.6 95% CI [1.2, 2.1]).

Our findings reveal a trans-diagnostic pattern of major clinical importance.

In patients with CP/CF, routine screening for neurodivergence should be considered to optimise fair access to appropriate support for improved quality of life.
 
I had not commented, but thought much the same. I cannot honestly work out how they think hypermobility mediates neurodivergence causing pain and fatigue - unless neruodivergent people have a habit of stretching their fingers and backbones.
 
Maybe a person who is isolated as result of living with a chronic illness that limits their participation in life and is frequently misunderstood will tend to answer questionnaires in a way that resembles autism.

An oxytocin deficit might also contribute. If CRH, vasopressin, orexin are affected as suggested by research, then oxytocin could as well.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom