Joint hypermobility syndrome: problems that require psychological intervention

Rheumatol Int. 2011 Sep;31(9):1131-6. doi: 10.1007/s00296-011-1839-5. Epub 2011 Mar 4.

Abstract

Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), also known as Ehlers-Danlos III, is an inherited disorder of connective tissue, characterised by an exceptional increase in the joint's mobility and the presence of musculoskeletal and other symptoms. It is a benign syndrome if compared with the other types of Ehlers-Danlos, but it can become disabling particularly because it is a significant source of pain and distress. The purpose of this work is to describe some common problems in JHS that render psychological intervention in their overall management relevant. Chronic pain, associated psychopathological factors such as anxiety, depression and somatosensory amplification, and problems arising from a lack of recognition and knowledge of the syndrome, are frequent among those affected, having a negative impact on their quality of life. We emphasise the relevance of addressing JHS from a biopsychosocial approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Chronic Pain / psychology
  • Chronic Pain / therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression / therapy
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / psychology*
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Quality of Life / psychology

Supplementary concepts

  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 3