Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
EDS: How It Affects the Mind and Body — and How CareSync Psych Can Help
When people think about mental health, they don’t often think about connective-tissue disorders. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) shows how deeply the body and mind are connected. At CareSync Psych, we support the whole person with compassionate, evidence-based, EDS-informed care.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of rare, inherited connective-tissue disorders. Connective tissue provides structure and support to skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs. In EDS, defects in collagen or collagen-related proteins make tissue fragile, overly flexible, or unstable. EDS is genetic and runs in families, though specific genes vary by subtype.
Types (most common)
- Hypermobile EDS (hEDS): joint hypermobility, frequent dislocations/subluxations, chronic pain, fatigue.
- Classical EDS (cEDS): hypermobile joints, fragile/bruisable skin, stretchy skin, slow healing.
- Vascular EDS (vEDS): fragile blood vessels/organs; higher risk of rupture (requires close medical monitoring).
- Kyphoscoliotic EDS (kEDS): spine curvature, muscle weakness, fragile eyes.
- Other rare forms affect bones, muscles, and organs in varying ways.
How EDS Affects the Body
- Musculoskeletal: joint instability, sprains/dislocations, early arthritis, muscle fatigue, chronic pain.
- Skin: fragile, bruises easily, poor wound healing, atrophic scarring.
- Cardiovascular/Autonomic: in vEDS risk of vessel rupture; dysautonomia/POTS can cause dizziness, palpitations, fainting.
- Digestive: IBS, gastroparesis, reflux, and other GI issues linked to connective-tissue and autonomic dysfunction.
The Psychological & Mental-Health Impact
- Chronic pain & fatigue can fuel low mood, irritability, and anxiety.
- Dysautonomia/POTS may mimic anxiety (racing heart, lightheadedness), complicating diagnosis.
- Medical trauma & uncertainty: misdiagnosis or invalidation can lead to medical PTSD, grief, and isolation.
- Body image & identity: scars, braces, or mobility aids can affect self-esteem.
- “Brain fog” & focus issues related to poor sleep, fatigue, and autonomic changes.
How CareSync Psych Supports People with EDS
We treat the whole person. Our founder understands EDS personally and professionally, so care is validating, paced, and collaborative. Plans flex for flares, procedures, and energy limits.
- Psychiatric evaluations & medication management with attention to side effects and autonomic sensitivity.
- Therapy + skills: CBT, motivational interviewing, pacing, nervous-system regulation, sleep & circadian support.
- Integrative care: nutrition-informed strategies, gentle movement, stress reduction, and realistic routines.
- Care coordination with your medical team when helpful.
- Feeding & food addiction: outpatient support for BMI ≥ 17; if below 17, we’ll connect you with higher-level care.
Visit Options
- In-person visits at our Lakeland clinic
- HIPAA-compliant telehealth across Florida
- Hybrid scheduling based on energy and mobility
Address: 5304 S. Florida Ave Suite 404-D, Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: 863-777-1668 · Email: info@caresynchpsych.com
Why This Matters
EDS illustrates the deep connection between mind and body. Physical changes affect mood and focus; stress and trauma can intensify symptoms. At CareSync Psych, we sync care for the whole person—supporting resilience in both your body’s connective tissue and your mind’s emotional strength.