The association between joint hypermobility and anxiety, a systematic review

Abstract

Joint hypermobility is a condition in which one or more joints move beyond their normal range of motion. If joint hypermobility is accompanied by pain, recurrent subluxations and musculoskeletal overload injuries, such joint hypermobility may be classified as symptomatic. Increased joint mobility has been associated with spinal and peripheral joint pain and postural disturbances, flatfoot or impaired proprioception, balance and coordination. There is growing evidence of a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression and neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as other clinical manifestations associated with joint hypermobility, in cases of syndromic joint hypermobility. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether there is an association between joint hypermobility and anxiety. This systematic review is based on the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, MedlinePlus and UpToDate databases were searched for research articles. Key search terms were “joint hypermobility” and “anxiety”. The search was conducted between 1 and 20 May 2025. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the number of studies finally included in the review was 16. All of the studies reviewed found a statistically significant association between joint hypermobility and anxiety. All analyzed studies have found a relationship between anxiety symptomatology and joint hypermobility therefore, it can be concluded that individuals with joint hypermobility are at an increased risk for developing anxiety disorders. Children, adolescents, and adults with joint hypermobility may all exhibit vulnerability to anxiety. Both generalized joint hypermobility and syndromic forms of joint hypermobility are associated with an increased predisposition to anxiety.