Neurodivergent traits in childhood double the risk of chronic disabling fatigue by age 18, with inflammation playing a significant mediating role. This highlights the importance of addressing inflammatory markers in managing the health of neurodivergent individuals.
By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDReviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Jul 31 2024 A recent study published in BMJ Open reports that neurodivergent traits in childhood increase the risk of chronic disabling fatigue at 18 years.
Current estimates indicate that neurodivergent conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are present in up to 15% of the population. Neurodivergence is associated with an increased risk of both physical and mental health conditions, some of which include chronic pain, connective tissue disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Mast cell activation syndrome arises due to internal or external stimuli that lead to the overactivation of mast cell mediators. MCAS and chronic fatigue, both common in neurodivergent patients, share numerous symptoms and mechanisms, suggesting that inflammation may play a role in the chronic fatigue experienced by neurodivergent individuals.
What did the study show? Children with autistic or ADHD traits at seven or nine years of age, respectively, were at a two-fold increased risk of CDF by 18 years of age. Likewise, higher IL-6 levels at nine years of age were associated with a 1.5 times greater risk of experiencing CDF at the age of 18. These results remained significant when controlling for depression.
Fatigue Autism Blood Cell Children Chronic Pain Coronavirus Covid-19 Depression Encephalomyelitis Hyperactivity Inflammation Mast Cell Mental Health Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Pain Stress
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