Joint hypermobility in functional neurological disorder: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is frequently comorbid with anxiety and depression.
• Joint hypermobility, also associated with anxiety and depression, is explored as a potential factor in FND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), anxiety, depression, and joint hypermobility.
• To determine the predictive value and interplay of these conditions in FND.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to individuals diagnosed with FND and their nominated healthy controls.
• Participants completed validated questionnaires for anxiety (GAD7), depression (PHQ9), and joint hypermobility (5PQ).
• Regression analysis using a general linear model was performed to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• The FND group exhibited significantly higher scores for anxiety, depression, and joint hypermobility compared to controls.
• A substantial majority (74%) of individuals with FND met diagnostic criteria for joint hypermobility syndrome, versus 45% of controls.
• Joint hypermobility emerged as the strongest predictor of FND status, moderating the effect of anxiety.

Conclusions:

• Anxiety, depression, and joint hypermobility are all implicated in the development of FND.
• Joint hypermobility plays a crucial role, particularly in modulating the impact of anxiety, especially at lower anxiety levels.