Summary: New research highlights a significant link between neurodivergence and chronic fatigue, suggesting that increased inflammation from childhood stress may contribute. The study emphasizes the need for better screening and support for neurodivergent children to reduce chronic fatigue risks.
Findings advocate for a comprehensive approach to identify contributing factors and improve quality of life. Enhanced support systems for neurodivergent children could mitigate these risks.
Key Facts:
- Increased childhood inflammation from stress may link neurodivergence to chronic fatigue.
- The study calls for better screening and support for neurodivergent children.
- Chronic fatigue causes are multifaceted, requiring comprehensive healthcare approaches.
Source: University of Sussex
A groundbreaking study has found that children who exhibit neurodivergent traits, such as those associated with autism and ADHD, are twice as likely to experience chronic disabling fatigue by age 18.
The research, led by Dr Lisa Quadt, Research Fellow in Psychiatry at BSMS and Dr Jessica Eccles, Reader in Brain-Body Medicine at BSMS, highlights a significant link between neurodivergence and chronic fatigue.
The study found that increased inflammation in childhood, often resulting from heightened stress levels, may be a contributing factor. This supports previous findings that suggest chronic fatigue can be rooted in inflammatory processes.
“These results show the importance of trans-diagnostic screening for children and the need for better support for neurodivergent children” says Dr Quadt.
“Children with neurodivergent traits, diagnosed or not, often experience heightened stress, which is likely one reason for their increased inflammatory levels. Our study indicates that this may be a risk factor for developing chronic disabling fatigue, which dramatically decreases quality of life.”
While this research emphasises the higher risk of chronic fatigue among neurodivergent populations, it does not imply that all individuals with chronic fatigue are neurodivergent.
The causes and mechanisms of chronic fatigue are multifaceted and intricate, necessitating a comprehensive approach by healthcare providers to identify contributing factors and tailor support and treatment accordingly.
The study’s findings advocate for better screening practices and enhanced support systems for neurodivergent children to mitigate the risk of chronic fatigue and improve overall quality of life.
About this neurodevelopment and chronic fatigue research news
Author: Stephanie Allen
Source: University of Sussex
Contact: Stephanie Allen – University of Sussex
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Childhood neurodivergent traits, inflammation and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence: a longitudinal case–control study” by Lisa Quadt et al. BMJ Open
Abstract
Childhood neurodivergent traits, inflammation and chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence: a longitudinal case–control study
Objectives
To test whether inflammatory processes link the expression of childhood neurodivergent traits to chronic disabling fatigue in adolescence.
Design
Longitudinal case–control study.
Setting
We analysed data from The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
Participants
8115 and 8036 children of the ALSPAC cohort at ages 7 and 9 years, respectively, 4563 of whom also completed self-report measures at age 18 years.
Primary and secondary outcome measures
We assessed if children scoring above screening threshold for autism/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at ages 7 and 9 years had increased risk of chronic disabling fatigue at age 18 years, computing ORs and CIs for effects using binary logistic regression. Mediation analyses were conducted to test if an inflammatory marker (interleukin 6 (IL-6)) at age 9 years linked neurodivergent traits to chronic disabling fatigue at age 18 years.
Results
Children with neurodivergent traits at ages 7 and 9 years were two times as likely to experience chronic disabling fatigue at age 18 years (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). Levels of IL-6 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 years mediated effects of neurodivergent 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.
Conclusions
Our results indicate higher risk of chronic disabling fatigue for children with neurodivergent traits, likely linked to higher levels of inflammation. The implementation of transdiagnostic screening criteria to inform support strategies to counteract risk early in life is recommended.
