summary: New research highlights a significant link between neurodiversity and chronic fatigue, suggesting that increased inflammation due to early life stress may play a role. The study highlights the need for better screening and support for neurodiverse children to reduce their risk of chronic fatigue.
The findings suggest a comprehensive approach to identify contributing factors and improve quality of life. Strengthening support systems for children with neurodevelopmental disorders may help reduce these risks.
Key Facts:
- Stress-induced increased inflammation during childhood may link neurodevelopmental disorders to chronic fatigue.
- The study calls for better testing and support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The causes of chronic fatigue are multifaceted and require a comprehensive medical approach.
sauce: University of Sussex
Landmark research has found that children who exhibit neurodiverse traits associated with autism and ADHD are twice as likely to experience chronic, disabling fatigue by the age of 18.
The research, led by BSMS Psychiatry Research Fellow Dr Lisa Quad and BSMS Brain and Body Medicine Lecturer Dr Jessica Eccles, highlights an important link between neurodiversity and chronic fatigue.
The study found that increased inflammation during childhood, which is often attributed to increased stress levels, may be a contributing factor, supporting previous findings suggesting that chronic fatigue may stem from inflammatory processes.
“These results highlight the importance of transdiagnostic screening for children and the need for better support for children with neurodevelopmental disorders,” said Dr. Quad.
“Children with neurodiverse traits, whether diagnosed or not, often experience increased stress, which likely contributes to higher levels of inflammation. Our study shows that this may be a risk factor for developing chronic and disabling fatigue, which dramatically reduces quality of life.”
While this study highlights the higher risk of chronic fatigue in neurodiverse populations, it does not mean that everyone with chronic fatigue is neurodiverse.
Because the causes and mechanisms of chronic fatigue are multifaceted and complex, healthcare providers need to take a comprehensive approach to identify contributing factors and tailor support and treatment accordingly.
The findings suggest improved screening methods and strengthened support systems for children with neurodevelopmental disorders to reduce the risk of chronic fatigue and improve their overall quality of life.
About this research news on neurodevelopment and chronic fatigue
author: Stephanie Allen
sauce: University of Sussex
contact: Stephanie Allen – University of Sussex
image: Image courtesy of Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Childhood neurodiversity traits, inflammation, and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence: A longitudinal case-control studyLisa Quadt et al. BMJ Open
Abstract
Childhood neurodiversity traits, inflammation, and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence: A longitudinal case-control study
the purpose
To examine whether inflammatory processes are related to the development of neurodiverse traits in childhood and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence.
design
Longitudinal case-control study.
setting
We analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
participant
The study included 8,115 and 8,036 children aged 7 and 9 years from the ALSPAC cohort, of whom 4,563 also completed self-report measures at age 18 years.
Primary and secondary outcome measures
We assessed whether children who scored above the screening threshold for autism/attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at ages 7 and 9 were at increased risk of developing chronically disabling fatigue at age 18 using binary logistic regression to calculate ORs and CIs for effects. Mediation analyses were conducted to test whether an inflammatory marker (interleukin-6 (IL-6)) at age 9 linked neurodiversity traits with chronically disabling fatigue at age 18.
result
Children with neurodiverse traits at ages 7 and 9 were twice as likely to experience chronic disabling fatigue at age 18 (likely ADHD OR=2.18 (95% CI=1.33 to 3.56), p=0.002; likely autism OR=1.78 (95% CI=1.17 to 2.72), p=0.004). IL-6 levels at age 9 were associated with chronic disabling fatigue at age 18 (OR=1.54 (95% CI=1.13 to 2.11), p=0.006). Inflammation at age 9 mediated the effect of neurodiverse traits on chronic disabling fatigue (indirect effect via IL-6: ADHD b=1.08 (95% CI=1.01 to 1.15), Autism b=1.06, (95% CI=1.03 to 1.10)). All effects remained significant when controlling for the presence of depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that children with neurodiverse traits are at increased risk of chronic disabling fatigue, which is likely associated with higher levels of inflammation. The introduction of transdiagnostic screening criteria to inform supportive strategies to counter risk early in life is recommended.
