Podcast Summary

Podcast: ADHD Chatter
Host: Alex Partridge
Guest: Dr. Jessica Eccles, PhD
Episode Title: The Breakthrough Science That Proves Link Between ADHD and Hypermobility
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Dr. Jessica Eccles, a leading researcher and clinician specializing in the intersection of neurodivergence (particularly ADHD and autism) and hypermobility. Through an engaging conversation, they explore recent scientific discoveries connecting ADHD, anxiety, and the physical condition of hypermobility—covering everything from genetic overlap, practical screening, medical challenges, real-world implications, and mental health intersections. Dr. Eccles explains why ADHD isn't just a "brain issue" but is deeply connected to body-wide processes, offering hope and validation to those living with both conditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining Hypermobility and Its Relevance

• Hypermobility is described as having joints with an unusually large range of motion. However, Dr. Eccles frames it as a difference in the body's connective tissue (like stretchier collagen), not just "being bendy" ([03:12], [04:31]).
• Testing for Hypermobility:
  • Self-report indicative questions:
    • Can you put your hands flat on the floor without bending knees?
    • Can you bend your thumb back to touch your wrist?
    • Did your joints dislocate more than once?
    • Did you amuse friends by contorting?
    • Do you consider yourself double-jointed?
  • Scoring two or more may indicate hypermobility ([00:39], [09:34]).

2. Strengths and Challenges of Hypermobility

• Strengths: Exceptional flexibility enables unique talents in music (playing complex pieces), dance, gymnastics, or athletic pursuits. Example: Simone Biles, who is both hypermobile and diagnosed with ADHD ([04:39]).
• Challenges:
  • Increased risk for injuries, joint dislocations, and chronic pain.
  • Associated with other medical problems: gastrointestinal issues, asthma, allergic sensitivities, and a tendency for easily bruised or scarred skin ([04:39]–[07:59]).
  • Dysautonomia: Describes autonomic nervous system instability (e.g., dizziness on standing, heart rate spikes after a hot shower), often misdiagnosed as anxiety ([04:39]).

3. Link Between ADHD, Autism, and Hypermobility

• People with ADHD and autism are up to four times more likely to be hypermobile than neurotypical controls ([00:01], [14:07]).
• Key Study: Using joint-based diagnostic definitions, about 50% of neurodivergent men and 80% of neurodivergent women met clinical criteria for hypermobility ([14:07]).
• Terminology Confusion:
  • Not all hypermobile people have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), but all EDS patients have some hypermobility.
  • Newer concepts: hypermobility spectrum disorder—another layer in the classification ([14:07]).

4. Causes Behind the Overlap

• Both neurodivergence and hypermobility have genetic and familial inheritance patterns, but specific genes remain unclear ([18:07]).
• Proposed mechanism:
  • Differences in connective tissue also impact the sensory systems (touch, hearing, proprioception).
  • Sensory processing issues (such as proprioceptive difficulties, or “knowing where your body is in space”) are common in both ADHD/autism and hypermobility ([18:07]).
• "ADHD Walk": Difficulty with proprioception can show up as a characteristic walk or clumsiness in ADHD ([18:07]–[24:15]).

5. Emotional Regulation and Body Awareness

• Emotional regulation difficulties in ADHD (e.g., rejection sensitivity, mood swings) are strongly linked to sensory-motor uncertainty (proprioceptive deficits), and those with hypermobility feel these links twice as intensely ([18:07]).
• Interventions:
  • Physiotherapy focusing on improving body awareness (proprioceptive feedback, balance training) might help emotional regulation—a novel, body-first approach ([24:17]).
• Interoceptive Training: Therapy such as “ADAPT” reassures patients about bodily sensations, reducing panic and anxiety caused by misinterpreted autonomic responses ([24:17]–[27:59]).

6. Hypermobility and Life Stages

• Hypermobility tends not to “disappear” with age; while joints may stiffen, related issues can persist for life ([29:30]).
• Hormonal influences explain why women often show more flexibility; symptoms may fluctuate across the menstrual cycle ([12:49]).

7. Recent Science and Shifting Knowledge

• Ten years ago, links between neurodivergence and hypermobility were speculative; now, they’re well-established through larger studies ([33:12]).
• Brain imaging has shown overlapping activity patterns in emotion centers (amygdala) and regulatory hubs (frontal cortex) in both ADHD and hypermobile individuals ([33:12]).
• Anecdote: Earlier studies even found correlations between hypermobility and chocolate/tobacco consumption—possibly self-medicating or regulating ADHD symptoms ([33:12]–[39:51]).

8. Pain, Fatigue, and Overlapping Conditions

• Chronic pain and fatigue (as seen in fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, Long Covid) are strikingly more common in hypermobile and neurodivergent populations ([40:12]–[45:08]).
• In one study, 80% of those with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS met criteria for hypermobility, but only 20% knew they were hypermobile ([40:12]).
• Hypermobility increases the risk of lingering symptoms following illnesses such as Covid ([40:12]).
• Dr. Eccles discusses the “burnout vs. burn up” phenomena in ADHD: oscillating between exhaustion and overstimulation ([60:10]).

Practical Advice & Resources

• If you relate to these symptoms:
  • Seek reputable charities such as SEDS Connective and ADHD Aware.
  • Use the Ehlers Danlos Society’s GP toolkit for medical support ([45:20]).
  • Consider body-oriented therapies and pacing strategies for energy management.
  • “You are not alone, and you’re not making it up. There are very many reasons why you might not be feeling your best.” – Dr. Jessica Eccles ([45:20]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "ADHD is an entire body condition. It's an embodied experience that isn't just in the mind." – Dr. Jessica Eccles ([01:42])
• "If you score two or more [on the hypermobility test], there is a possibility that you are hypermobile." ([00:39])
• "The ADHD walk... that is a walk with difficulties with proprioception." – Dr. Jessica Eccles ([18:07])
• "We might be able to improve emotion regulation in neurodivergent people, not with drugs... but by helping them improve where they think they are in space." ([18:07])
• "You do not need to be a circus performer or to be able to do party tricks to be hypermobile." ([28:07])
• "The world is better for ballet dancers, I'm sure. And as someone who has some of the physical problems associated with hypermobility, doesn't dance – this is my way of dancing." – Dr. Jessica Eccles ([48:08])
• "If you have ADHD... famous ADHD intuition... my ADHD intuition tells me that you're all begging for that sought after sponsored ad read..." – Alex Partridge [light-hearted transition, [30:52]]
• "Embrace your whole self, even the opposing side... If you can learn to bend without breaking, I think that's so important for this whole hypermobile, neurodivergent experience." ([62:42])
• "Self compassion is easier said than done, but it is very, very important." – Dr. Jessica Eccles ([64:36])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Myth Busting ("Whole body" ADHD): [01:42]
• What Is Hypermobility?: [03:12]
• Common Symptoms & Screening: [09:34]
• Hormonal/Gender Differences: [12:49]
• Research Evidence—The Fourfold Risk: [14:07]
• Mechanisms Behind the ADHD-Hypermobility Link: [18:07]
• Impact on Sensory Processing and Proprioception: [18:07]
• Practical Interventions/Body-based Therapies: [24:17]
• Ageing & The Persistence of Hypermobility: [29:30]
• What Has Changed in the Science? [33:12]
• Pain, Fatigue, Long Covid, Energy Management: [40:12]
• Resources/How to Get Help: [45:20]
• Dancing, Creativity, and ADHD: [48:08]
• 'Washing Machine of Woes'/ADHD Agony Aunt: [52:49]
• Letter to Listeners – Three Rules to Live By: [62:42]

The Episode’s Closing Reflection

Dr. Eccles stresses the importance of embracing both strengths and challenges, recognizing that conditions like ADHD and hypermobility are part of the "whole self." She encourages self-compassion and radical acceptance, highlighting that greater understanding and support are possible both now and in the years to come.

Resource Links:

• Dr. Jessica Eccles: Linktree/BendyBrain
• SEDS Connective: Website
• ADHD Aware: Website
• Ehlers Danlos Society: Website & GP Toolkit

For those who identify with any of the discussed experiences, the message is clear: you are not alone, you are not broken, and greater understanding is emerging every year.