Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) have uncovered striking new evidence that bipolar affective disorder may be closely linked to both joint hypermobility and neurodivergent traits such as autism and ADHD.
In a case–control study involving more than 100 participants, the team found that people with bipolar disorder were over five times more likely to show signs of joint hypermobility than those without the condition. Even more strikingly, the majority of participants with bipolar disorder screened positive for autistic or ADHD traits – often without having previously received a diagnosis.
Led by Dr Jessica Eccles, Associate Professor in Brain-Body Medicine at BSMS, the study suggests that neurodivergent characteristics may help explain the long-observed association between hypermobility and bipolar disorder. Mediation analysis showed that autism- and ADHD-related traits significantly accounted for the relationship between physical hypermobility and bipolar affective disorder.
Listen to doctors Jessica Eccles and Lisa Quadt talk about the study in the above video.
Joint hypermobility, a connective tissue trait present from birth, has already been linked to chronic pain, anxiety and neurodevelopmental conditions. This research adds to growing evidence that physical differences in connective tissue may influence brain development, emotional regulation and vulnerability to psychiatric illness.
The findings have important implications for diagnosis and care. Many participants with bipolar disorder had never been identified as autistic or ADHD, raising concerns about under-recognition and misdiagnosis. The researchers argue that routinely considering neurodivergence and physical traits such as hypermobility could improve personalised care, reduce missed diagnoses and support more integrated mental and physical health services.
“This work highlights how closely connected brain and body really are,” said Dr Eccles. “Recognising these overlapping traits could lead to earlier intervention, better outcomes and a more holistic approach to mental health.”
Read the paper in full here >