Role of Anxiety in Individuals with Generalized Joint Hypermobility: A Systematic Review.
Janneke E van Die-de Vries, Eugene Rameckers, Patrick Calders and 4 others
PMID 41477100WHAT IT FOUND
Anxiety is significantly elevated in people with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), especially those with symptoms.
In those without symptoms, anxiety is higher than the general population but rarely reaches clinical thresholds. Screening for anxiety is warranted across the GJH spectrum.
Key findings
01Individuals with symptomatic GJH exhibit higher anxiety levels than those with asymptomatic GJH and the general population.
02Anxiety levels in adolescents and adults with asymptomatic GJH are significantly elevated compared to the general population but do not reach clinical levels.
03The review could not perform a meta-analysis due to significant heterogeneity in outcomes, clinimetrics, and GJH cutoffs.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The review could not perform a meta-analysis due to significant heterogeneity in the definition of GJH, the diagnostic criteria used (e.g., Beighton score, Brighton criteria, Villefranche criteria), and the anxiety assessment tools. Most included studies were cross-sectional, so the review cannot establish causality between GJH and anxiety. Taxonomy was inconsistent across studies, with some using historical terms like 'benign joint hypermobility syndrome' alongside newer classifications like 'hypermobility spectrum disorder'. There is limited evidence regarding anxiety in adolescents with asymptomatic GJH, creating a gap in understanding early psychological impacts. Methodological quality was lacking in three studies, though their findings aligned with the overall conclusions.
Declared interests
The investigators have no financial or nonfinancial disclosures to make in relation to this project.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that anxiety causes GJH symptoms or vice versa. The review is based mostly on cross-sectional studies, which show association but cannot prove that anxiety leads to hypermobility-related disability or that hypermobility causes anxiety.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →