Variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility) and its relevance to depression and anxiety in adolescents: a cohort-based case-control study.

Variant collagen, indexed by joint hypermobility, is linked to the emergence of depression and anxiety in adolescence, an effect mediated by autonomic factors in males. Recognition of this association may motivate further evaluation, screening and interventions to mitigate development of psychiatric disorders and improve health outcomes.