Reports that neurodivergent traits in childhood increase the risk of chronic disabling fatigue (CDF) at 18 years.
Study
Data for the current study were obtained from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), which initially obtained data on 14,541 live births in southwest England between April 1991 and December 1992. Two assessments were subsequently conducted when the children were seven and nine years of age, comprising 8,115 and 8,036 children, respectively. At the age of 18, a final evaluation was conducted using self-reported measures.
The researchers aimed to clarify whether an increased risk of CDF was observed at 18 years in children who tested positive for autism or ADHD at either childhood time point. IL-6 levels were also measured in blood samples obtained at the nine-year visit.
Findings
Children with autistic or ADHD traits at seven or nine years of age, respectively, were at a two-fold increased risk of CDF by 18 years of age. Likewise, higher IL-6 levels at nine years of age were associated with a 1.5 times greater risk of experiencing CDF at the age of 18. These results remained significant when controlling for depression.
Mediation analyses showed the indirect impact of higher IL-6 levels in children with both autism and ADHD traits. Among those with these neurodivergent traits, each unit increase in IL-6 levels was associated with an 8% and 6% increased risk of CDF at 18 years of age, respectively.
The higher levels of inflammation could be due to the increased prevalence of gastrointestinal and dental issues observed in neurodivergent individuals. Higher levels of biopsychosocial stress present in neurodivergent children may also lead to increased inflammation and the subsequent experience of CDF. It is also possible that the blood draw itself induced stress to the study participants, particularly those with neurodivergent traits, thereby leading to higher IL-6 levels.
Conclusion
The current study provides important insights into the overlap between chronic fatigue, ADHD, and/or autism while also providing evidence on the role of inflammation in mediating the relationship between childhood neurodivergent traits and CDF. Nevertheless, additional research is needed to further examine the different mechanisms, aside from inflammation, that may mediate the relationship between chronic fatigue and neurodivergence.
Neurodivergent children are more vulnerable to physical and mental health conditions, necessitating frequent healthcare visits to monitor their health status. Clinicians are also advised to utilize a holistic approach for treating neurodivergent individuals that considers the brain-body relationship to ultimately improve their quality of life.
Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240731/Neurodivergent-children-face-higher-risk-of-chronic-disabling-fatigue-by-18-study-finds.aspx