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Brown MI, Heck PR, Chabris CF. The Social Shapes Test as a Self-Administered, Online Measure of Social Intelligence: Two Studies with Typically Developing Adults and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1804-1819. [PMID: 36757539 PMCID: PMC9909157 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05901-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The Social Shapes Test (SST) is a measure of social intelligence which does not use human faces or rely on extensive verbal ability. The SST has shown promising validity among adults without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but it is uncertain whether it is suitable for adults with ASD. We find measurement invariance between adults with (n = 229) or without ASD (n = 1,049) on the 23-item SST. We also find that adults without ASD score higher on the SST than adults with ASD (d = 0.21). We also provide two, 14-item versions which demonstrated good parallel test-retest reliability and are positively related to scores on the Frith-Happé task. The SST is suitable for remote, online research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt I Brown
- Geisinger Health System, Lewisburg, PA, USA.
- Human Resources Research Organization, 66 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 700, 22314, Alexandria, VA, USA.
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Sturm A, Huang S, Bal V, Schwartzman B. Psychometric exploration of the RAADS-R with autistic adults: Implications for research and clinical practice. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241228329. [PMID: 38305196 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241228329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Surveys used to screen for autism are being used much more by adults. Adults and clinicians want to be confident that the results from their surveys are accurate. If scores are not accurate, it is not possible to compare the scores of different groups of individuals. There are also concerns that these surveys do not accurately identify autistic individuals. This study explored the accuracy of two commonly used autism screening surveys for adults: the RAADS-R and the RAADS-14. The accuracy of these two screening tools was measured using a sample of 839 adults. Adults in the study were in one of the following categories: (1) diagnosed with autism, (2) adults who considered themselves to be autistic but had not been diagnosed, (3) adults who were unsure whether they were autistic, and (4) adults who did not consider themselves to be autistic and had not been diagnosed. The study found that the RAADS-R and the RAADS-14 are accurate. The study also found that a person's age, gender, autism diagnosis, or whether an individual considered themselves to be autistic did not impact how they understood the survey. Survey accuracy could be improved by changing the number of question responses from four to two. Importantly, individuals with a clinical diagnosis of autism and those who considered themselves to be autistic responded to survey items in a very similar way. Individuals with autism diagnoses and those who were unsure whether they were autistic were more different in their responses. Four specific survey items related to sensory experiences and social interaction identified key differences between autistic and non-autistic adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Bal
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
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Broglia G, Nisticò V, Di Paolo B, Faggioli R, Bertani A, Gambini O, Demartini B. Traits of narcissistic vulnerability in adults with autism spectrum disorders without intellectual disabilities. Autism Res 2024; 17:138-147. [PMID: 37983956 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), considering the dimensions of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability, represents an important differential diagnosis and potential ground of comorbidity, since both conditions show high grades of pervasiveness, a life-long course, ego-syntonic traits, and difficulties in building up and sustaining interpersonal relationships Although the co-diagnosis rates, according to the categorical criteria in use, are limited (0%-6.4%), it is common to encounter diagnostic doubts in clinical practice. Here we investigated the dimensions of narcissistic vulnerability and grandiosity in a sample of 87 adults diagnosed with ASD without intellectual disabilities through the administration of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory-52 Items (PNI-52). The mean scores of our sample were compared with the normative distribution available in the literature, and we found that individuals with ASD scored significantly higher than neurotypical controls at the Total Score and at the Vulnerable Narcissism subscale, but not at the Grandiose Narcissism subscales. Demographic features did not influence these results. Vulnerable narcissism was significantly associated with the "Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale - Revised" subscale Social Relatedness. These findings could potentially be indicative of a greater comorbidity rate between the two disorders with respect to the one reported to date, possibly because DSM-5 criteria are mainly focused on the grandiose dimension. Potential explanatory links between ASD phenomenology and vulnerable narcissism, such as the personality dimension of neuroticism, are discussed, together with the possible role of narcissistic vulnerability in mediating internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Broglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Nisticò
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Bianca Di Paolo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Faggioli
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, Dipartimento Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Bertani
- Centro Giovani "Ettore Ponti", Dipartimento Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Orsola Gambini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, Dipartimento Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Demartini
- "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, Dipartimento Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, Presidio San Paolo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
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Skorokhodov IV, Radygina KP, Skorokhodova EY, Firsova SP, Portnova GV, Varlamov AA. Development and Initial Validation of the Russian Version of the RAADS-14: A Self-Report Questionnaire to Assess Autistic Traits. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2724-2735. [PMID: 37998078 PMCID: PMC10670239 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a relatively common neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication and behavior, affecting the overall quality of life. The prevalence of autism is constantly increasing, but timely diagnosis allows for effective treatment. The aim of our research was to construct a Russian version of the RAADS-14, a brief self-report questionnaire originally designed for autism screening, and to perform its initial validation to provide a reference point in developing autism self-assessment tools for the Russian-speaking population. Psychometric properties of the RAADS-14 Rus were evaluated on a sample of 1724 participants, including a general sample of non-psychiatric young adults (n = 794) and adults with clinically established ASD (n = 49); a brief Russian inventory assessing Big Five personality traits (FFQ) was administered to a part of the sample (n = 364) to provide the first assessment of criterion validity. Confirmatory factor analysis of the RAADS-14 Rus confirmed the factor structure of the original Swedish version yielding acceptable fit indices. The discriminating properties were substantially worse than in the original study. The correlations between the RAADS-14 Rus domain scores and the Big Five factors were similar to previously obtained findings. Overall, the results suggest that the RAADS-14 Rus can be used as a screening tool for ASD in adults with proper caution and considering its discriminating properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V. Skorokhodov
- Language and Cognition Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow 117485, Russia; (I.V.S.)
- Rehabilitation Center for Children with ASD “Our Sunny World”, Moscow 109052, Russia
| | - Ksenia P. Radygina
- Language and Cognition Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow 117485, Russia; (I.V.S.)
| | - Elena Y. Skorokhodova
- Foreign Languages Department, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
- Faculty of Linguistics, Russian State Social University, Moscow 129226, Russia
| | - Svetlana P. Firsova
- Humanitarian Education Center, Volga State University of Technology, Yoshkar-Ola 4240000, Russia
| | - Galina V. Portnova
- Language and Cognition Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow 117485, Russia; (I.V.S.)
- Laboratory of Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of RAS, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Anton A. Varlamov
- Language and Cognition Laboratory, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, Moscow 117485, Russia; (I.V.S.)
- Rehabilitation Center for Children with ASD “Our Sunny World”, Moscow 109052, Russia
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Mohammad S, de Ruijter MJT, Rukh G, Rask-Andersen M, Mwinyi J, Schiöth HB. Well-being spectrum traits are associated with polygenic scores for autism. Autism Res 2023; 16:1891-1902. [PMID: 37602645 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to experience lower well-being as demonstrated mostly for children and adolescents in epidemiological studies. A further investigation of inclusive well-being, in terms of five well-being spectrum (5-WBS) traits including neuroticism, depression, loneliness, life satisfaction, and positive affect, among adults with ASD may deepen our understanding of their well-being, and lead to the possibility to further modify societal supportive mechanisms for individuals with ASD. This study aims to investigate if a genetic predisposition for ASD is associated with 5-WBS traits using polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. PRS for ASD were calculated based on the latest genome-wide association study of ASD by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium (18,381 cases, 27,969 controls) and were created in the independent cohort UK Biobank. Regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between ASD PRS and 5-WBS traits in the UK Biobank population including 337,423 individuals. ASD PRS were significantly associated with all 5-WBS traits, showing a positive association with the negative WBS traits, neuroticism (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), depression (max R2 = 0.06%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), loneliness (max R2 = 0.04%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), and a negative association with the positive WBS traits, life satisfaction (max R2 = 0.08%, p < 1 × 10-4 ), positive affect (max R2 = 0.10%, p < 1 × 10-4 ). The findings suggest that adults carrying a high load of risk single nucleotide peptides (SNPs) for ASD are more likely to report decreased well-being. The study demonstrates a considerable connection between susceptibility to ASD, its underlying genetic etiology and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salahuddin Mohammad
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Markus J T de Ruijter
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathias Rask-Andersen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Cho A, Wood JJ, Ferrer E, Rosenau K, Storch EA, Kendall PC. Empirically-identified subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder and their response to two types of cognitive behavioral therapy. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1188-1202. [PMID: 34866567 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is heterogeneous and likely entails distinct phenotypes with varying etiologies. Identifying these subgroups may contribute to hypotheses about differential treatment responses. The present study aimed to discern subgroups among children with ASD and anxiety in context of the five-factor model of personality (FFM) and evaluate treatment response differences to two cognitive-behavioral therapy treatments. The present study is a secondary data analysis of children with ASD and anxiety (N=202; ages 7-13; 20.8% female) in a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) randomized controlled trial (Wood et al., 2020). Subgroups were identified via latent profile analysis of parent-reported FFM data. Treatment groups included standard-of-practice CBT (CC), designed for children with anxiety, and adapted CBT (BIACA), designed for children with ASD and comorbid anxiety. Five subgroups with distinct profiles were extracted. Analysis of covariance revealed CBT response was contingent on subgroup membership. Two subgroups responded better to BIACA on the primary outcome measure and a third responded better to BIACA on a peer-social adaptation measure, while a fourth subgroup responded better to CC on a school-related adaptation measure. These findings suggest that the FFM may be useful in empirically identifying subgroups of children with ASD, which could inform intervention selection decisions for children with ASD and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anchuen Cho
- University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3132A Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Wood
- University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3132A Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Emilio Ferrer
- University of California, Davis, 1 Shields Ave., 135 Young Hall, Davis, CA95616, USA
| | - Kashia Rosenau
- University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., 3132A Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA90095, USA
| | - Eric A Storch
- Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge St, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Philip C Kendall
- Temple University, 1701 North 13th St., Weiss Hall, Philadelphia, PA19122, USA
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Brienza L, Zennaro A, Vitolo E, Andò A. Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS) and clinical implications: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:178-195. [PMID: 36174784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Affective neuroscience (AN) theory assumes the existence of seven basic emotional systems (i.e., SEEKING, ANGER, FEAR, CARE, LUST, SADNESS, PLAY) that are common to all mammals and evolutionarily determined to be tools for survival and, in general, for fitness. Based on the AN approach, the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) questionnaire was developed to examine individual differences in the defined basic emotional systems. The current systematic review aims to examine the use of ANPS in clinical contexts attempting to define those behavioral elements associated with underlying stable personality traits. METHODS The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statements. PubMed and PsycInfo were used for research literature from March 2003 to November 2021. RESULTS Forty-four studies including ANPS were identified from 1763 studies reviewed. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. LIMITATIONS The review comprised some papers with incomplete psychological assessments (e.g., lack of other measures in addition to the ANPS) and missing information (e.g., on the [sub]samples), which may affect the generalizability of findings. CONCLUSION Specific endophenotypes and/or patterns of emotional/motivational systems were found for several mental disorders. Specifically, endophenotypes emerged for the Depressive and Autism Spectrum Disorders, Borderline and Avoidant Personality Disorders, type I and II Bipolar Disorders, and the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The endophenotypes can provide useful reflective elements for both psychodiagnosis and intervention. Overall, the current study may represent an attempt to contribute to the understanding of the basic emotional systems involved in the psychopathological manifestations identified by AN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Enrico Vitolo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Agata Andò
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Langwerden RJ, van der Heijden PT, Soons PH, Derksen JJ, Vuijk R, Egger JI. An Exploratory Study of MMPI-2-RF Personality and Psychopathology Profiles of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder without Intellectual Disability. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:335-346. [PMID: 36340276 PMCID: PMC9597642 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More empirical research is needed to disentangle the phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cluster C personality symptomatology (CCPD), as both show similarities in their clinical presentation. We explored personality and psychopathology dimensions as conceptualized in contemporary dimensional taxonomies (i.e., hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology; HiTOP) in adults with ASD without intellectual disability operationalized by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). METHOD Applying secondary analytic processes using clinical data, we cross-examined the MMPI-2-RF profiles of adults with ASD (n = 28) compared to adults with Cluster C personality disorders (CCPD; n = 28) and a control group (n = 28) by conducting nonparametric tests and assessing effect sizes. RESULTS The profiles of the ASD and CCPD groups evidenced to be similar, and both average clinical profiles diverged from the average control group profiles by elevated levels of demoralization, internalizing, and somatization symptomatology. There were small differences between the average profiles of adults with ASD and adults with CCPD. Additional research using dimensional measures of psychopathology could elucidate the dimensional phenotypes of ASD and CCPD. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results in this study, the MMPI-2-RF may not meaningfully discriminate between the two clinical presentations, with the exception of various externalizing scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbert J. Langwerden
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Community-Based Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA,Corresponding Author Robbert J. Langwerden 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA E-mail: robbert.langwerden@ donders.ru.nl Phone: (+1) 305 348 5388
| | - Paul T. van der Heijden
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Reinier van Arkel Mental Health Institute, ’s Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan J.L. Derksen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Clinical and Life Span Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - Richard Vuijk
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos I.M. Egger
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands, Vincent van Gogh Centres of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands, Stevig Specialized and Forensic Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Dichterbij, Oostrum, The Netherlands
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Toyomoto R, Sakata M, Yoshida K, Luo Y, Nakagami Y, Iwami T, Aoki S, Irie T, Sakano Y, Suga H, Sumi M, Ichikawa H, Watanabe T, Tajika A, Uwatoko T, Sahker E, Furukawa TA. Validation of the Japanese Big Five Scale Short Form in a University Student Sample. Front Psychol 2022; 13:862646. [PMID: 35814124 PMCID: PMC9262100 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.862646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Japanese Big Five Scale Short Form (JBFS-SF), a 29-item self-report scale, has recently been used to measure the Big Five personality traits. However, the scale lacks psychometric validation. This study examined the validity and reliability of the JBFS-SF with data collected from 1,626 Japanese university students participating in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Structural validity was tested with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance tests were conducted across sex. Internal consistency was evaluated with McDonald’s omega. Additionally, construct validity was estimated across factors using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, AQ-J-10, and SSQ. EFA results showed that the JBFS-SF can be classified according to the expected five-factor structure, while three items had small loadings. Therefore, we dropped these three items and tested the reliability and validity of the 26-item version. CFA results found that a 26-item JBFS-FS has adequate structural validity (GFI = 0.907, AGFI = 0.886, CFI = 0.907, and RMSEA = 0.057). The omega of each factor was 0.74–0.85. Each JBFS-SF factor was specifically correlated with the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and SSQ. This research has shown that the JBFS-SF can be a clinically useful measure for assessing personality characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Toyomoto
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Rie Toyomoto,
| | - Masatsugu Sakata
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Yoshida
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukako Nakagami
- Agency for Health, Safety and Environment, Kyoto University Health Service, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taku Iwami
- Agency for Health, Safety and Environment, Kyoto University Health Service, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Aoki
- Center for Medical Education and Career Development, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomonari Irie
- Department of Psychology and Counseling, School of Education and Culture, Hokusho University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Yuji Sakano
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Goryokai Medical Corporation, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Suga
- Department of Social Welfare, Ryukoku University Junior College, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Ichikawa
- Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takafumi Watanabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Aran Tajika
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Uwatoko
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ethan Sahker
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical Education Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshi A. Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Thomas TR, Koomar T, Casten LG, Tener AJ, Bahl E, Michaelson JJ. Clinical autism subscales have common genetic liabilities that are heritable, pleiotropic, and generalizable to the general population. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:247. [PMID: 35697691 PMCID: PMC9192633 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01982-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of autism's phenotypic spectra is well-known, yet most genetic research uses case-control status as the target trait. It is undetermined if autistic symptom domain severity underlying this heterogeneity is heritable and pleiotropic with other psychiatric and behavior traits in the same manner as autism case-control status. In N = 6064 autistic children in the SPARK cohort, we investigated the common genetic properties of twelve subscales from three clinical autism instruments measuring autistic traits: the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), and the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ). Educational attainment polygenic scores (PGS) were significantly negatively correlated with eleven subscales, while ADHD and major depression PGS were positively correlated with ten and eight of the autism subscales, respectively. Loneliness and neuroticism PGS were also positively correlated with many subscales. Significant PGS by sex interactions were found-surprisingly, the autism case-control PGS was negatively correlated in females and had no strong correlation in males. SNP-heritability of the DCDQ subscales ranged from 0.04 to 0.08, RBS-R subscales ranged from 0.09 to 0.24, and SCQ subscales ranged from 0 to 0.12. GWAS in SPARK followed by estimation of polygenic scores (PGS) in the typically-developing ABCD cohort (N = 5285), revealed significant associations of RBS-R subscale PGS with autism-related behavioral traits, with several subscale PGS more strongly correlated than the autism case-control PGS. Overall, our analyses suggest that the clinical autism subscale traits show variability in SNP-heritability, PGS associations, and significant PGS by sex interactions, underscoring the heterogeneity in autistic traits at a genetic level. Furthermore, of the three instruments investigated, the RBS-R shows the greatest evidence of genetic signal in both (1) autistic samples (greater heritability) and (2) general population samples (strongest PGS associations).
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tanner Koomar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lucas G Casten
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ashton J Tener
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ethan Bahl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jacob J Michaelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (Hawk-IDDRC), University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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11
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Grella ON, Dunlap A, Nicholson AM, Stevens K, Pittman B, Corbera S, Diefenbach G, Pearlson G, Assaf M. Personality as a mediator of autistic traits and internalizing symptoms in two community samples. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:81. [PMID: 35346350 PMCID: PMC8962582 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00774-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social functioning and is comorbid with internalizing disorders and symptoms. While personality is associated with these symptoms and social functioning in non-ASD samples, its role mediating the relationship between ASD traits and internalizing symptoms is not clear. Methods We studied the mediating effect of personality on the correlations between ASD traits and internalizing symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) in two samples. Additionally, we explored the moderating effect of gender. Analyses were applied to a small (Study 1; N = 101) undergraduate sample. A broader sample recruited via an online crowdsourcing platform (Study 2; N = 371) was used to validate the results. Results Study 1’s mediation analyses revealed that neuroticism was the only significant mediator. Study 2 replicated these results by finding extraversion to be an additional mediator for anxiety and extraversion, openness, and agreeableness as additional mediators for stress. Moderation analyses revealed that gender was never a significant moderator. Conclusions These results support the effects of personality on the relationship between autism traits and internalizing symptoms. Future research should explore these effects in clinical samples to better understand the role of personality in symptomatology and the need to address it as part of intervention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-022-00774-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia N Grella
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA.
| | - Amanda Dunlap
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA
| | - Alycia M Nicholson
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA
| | - Kimberly Stevens
- Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Silvia Corbera
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA.,Department of Psychological Science, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT, USA
| | - Gretchen Diefenbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Godfrey Pearlson
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michal Assaf
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, 200 Retreat Avenue, Hartford, CT, 061016, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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12
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Associations among autistic traits, cognitive and affective empathy, and personality traits in adults with autism spectrum disorder and no intellectual disability. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3125. [PMID: 35210528 PMCID: PMC8873508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reported empathy deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could be attributable to other ASD-related features. We evaluated 28 ASD adults with no intellectual disability and 24 age-matched non-ASD control subjects using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO). Compared to the controls, ASD participants showed lower scores for perspective taking, online simulation, cognitive empathy, and peripheral responsivity on the QCAE, and lower scores for perspective taking and empathic concern on the IRI. Within the ASD group, the AQ scores showed significant relationships with perspective taking, online simulation and cognitive empathy on the QCAE, and perspective taking on the IRI. The ASD group also showed higher scores for neuroticism and lower scores for extraversion on the NEO compared to the controls. However, there were no relationships between AQ scores and NEO factors within the ASD group. Multiple regression analysis with stepwise linear regression demonstrated that perspective taking score on the QCAE and extraversion score on the NEO were good predictor variables to autistic traits on the AQ. These findings help us to understand empathy and personality traits in ASD adults with no intellectual disability.
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13
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Schwartzman JM, Williams ZJ, Richards JK, Mattheiss SR, Gotham KO. Neuroticism Drives Associations Between Repetitive Behaviors and Depression in Autistic Adults. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:803361. [PMID: 35308873 PMCID: PMC8924483 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.803361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is more prevalent among autistic adults than neurotypical adults, yet risk factors are incompletely understood in this population. Some research groups have focused on relationships between negative repetitive thinking and depression in the autistic population, which may explain elevated prevalence rates in line with general population findings on rumination and internalizing disorders. Little is known about associations between depression and more prototypical repetitive cognitions and/or behaviors characteristic of autism (i.e., insistence on sameness [IS] and repetitive sensorimotor [RSM] behaviors). Therefore, the present study aimed to examine associations between IS, RSM behaviors, and depressive symptoms in 762 autistic adults, and whether observed effects are confounded by additional factors (e.g., demographic factors, trait neuroticism). To test if greater IS scores were associated with greater depressive symptoms on the BDI-II, a Bayesian linear regression was conducted with BDI-II scores (dependent variable) regressed on age, gender, educational level, RSM scores, and IS scores (independent variables). To test the effects of neuroticism on observed relationships, a second regression was conducted that included all predictors from the baseline model and neuroticism. Standardized regression coefficients were tested against an interval null hypothesis of [-0.1, 0.1] to assess for practical significance. Results indicated that IS exhibited a moderate positive relationship with depressive symptoms, while RSM behaviors provided only a slight increase in predictive ability. However in the second model, neuroticism exhibited a strong positive relationship with depressive symptoms, completely attenuating the effect of IS. Associations between RSM behaviors and depressive symptoms did not meet our criteria for practical significance, particularly when neuroticism was added to the model. Neither RSM nor IS moderated the effect of neuroticism on depression. The findings from this study add to the literature on risk factors in the pathway to depression in autism, and suggest opportunities for clinical translation to screening and intervention efforts. Screening for IS in autistic individuals is a common diagnostic practice in clinical and research settings that may be leveraged to also identify those at higher risk for depression, and increasing flexibility in daily life may promote emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Schwartzman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Zachary J Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States.,Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jared K Richards
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
| | | | - Katherine O Gotham
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, United States
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14
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Applying Service-Dominant Logic and Conversation Management Principles to Social Robotics for Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/ijiit.296240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anthropomorphism in social robots amplifies the big five human personality traits (extraversion, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness to experience, and agreeableness), consequently aiding with the social motivation needs of consumers (especially, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD). According to the social motivation theory of autism, consumers with ASD show deficits in orienting toward social stimuli, engaging with humans, and maintaining social relations. Robotic anthropomorphism has been found to be positively related to the big five human personality types and robot likeability in human-robot interaction (HRI) situations. This research focuses on the conversational approach of social robotics using service dominant approach. Conversational-based perspectives have been studied extensively in organizational and management literature, however, these perspectives have not been utilized in the context of social robots, HRI, and autism.
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15
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Rinaldi C, Attanasio M, Valenti M, Mazza M, Keller R. Autism spectrum disorder and personality disorders: Comorbidity and differential diagnosis. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:1366-1386. [PMID: 35070783 PMCID: PMC8717043 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis, comorbidities and overlaps with other psychiatric disorders are common among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but clinical assessments often omit screening for personality disorders (PD), which are especially common in individuals with high-functioning ASD where there is less need for support. AIM To summarize the research findings on PD in adults with ASD and without intellectual disability, focusing on comorbidity and differential diagnosis. METHODS PubMed searches were performed using the key words "Asperger's Syndrome", "Autism", "Personality", "Personality disorder" and "comorbidity" in order to identify relevant articles published in English. Grey literature was identified through searching Google Scholar. The literature reviews and reference sections of selected papers were also examined for additional potential studies. The search was restricted to studies published up to April 2020. This review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. RESULTS The search found 22 studies carried out on ASD adults without intellectual disability that met the inclusion criteria: 16 evaluated personality profiles or PD in ASD (comorbidity), five compared ASD and PD (differential diagnosis) and one performed both tasks. There were significant differences in the methodological approaches, including the ASD diagnostic instruments and personality measures. Cluster A and cluster C PD are the most frequent co-occurring PD, but overlapping features should be considered. Data on differential diagnosis were only found with cluster A and cluster B PD. CONCLUSION ASD in high-functioning adults is associated with a distinct personality profile even if variability exists. Further studies are needed to explore the complex relationship between ASD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Rinaldi
- Adult Autism Center, Department of Mental Health, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10138, Italy
| | - Margherita Attanasio
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
- Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Marco Valenti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
- Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
- Regional Centre for Autism, Abruzzo Region Health System, L’Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Center, Department of Mental Health, ASL Città di Torino, Turin 10138, Italy
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16
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Exploring the autism spectrum: Moderating effects of neuroticism on stress reactivity and on the association between social context and negative affect. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 34:1366-1375. [PMID: 33745477 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420002278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuroticism is associated with increased stress reactivity. In autism spectrum disorders (ASD), emotional stress reactivity is increased and there is some evidence for an increased negative affect (NA) when with less familiar people. The aim of this study was to compare adults with ASD and controls on levels of neuroticism and on interactions between neuroticism and appraised stress or social context in models of NA. This is a cross-sectional observational study comprising a group of 50 adults with ASD and 51 controls. Experience sampling method (ESM) reports were collected for 10 days to measure daily life stress, mood, and social context. Multilevel regression analyses revealed significantly higher neuroticism levels in ASD than in controls. Adults with ASD who scored high on neuroticism showed a significantly stronger association between activity/social stress and NA (i.e., higher stress reactivity) than those with low scores. Furthermore, the association between neuroticism and NA was stronger when adults with ASD were with less familiar people compared with being alone or with familiar people. No consistent corresponding significant interactions were found in the control group. In conclusion, in ASD, neuroticism moderates the association between appraised stress and NA as well as the association between social context and NA.
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17
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Palumbo L, Rampone G, Bertamini M. The role of gender and academic degree on preference for smooth curvature of abstract shapes. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10877. [PMID: 33732544 PMCID: PMC7953868 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preference for smooth contours occurs for a variety of visual stimuli. However, there are individual differences. Openness to experience, a trait associated with aesthetic appreciation, emotional sensitivity and abstract thinking, correlates with this preference. The evaluation of meaningless stimuli entails automatic associations influenced by knowledge, intellectual interests and individual experiences which are diverse. However, it is difficult to capture this variability in studies restricted to Undergraduate students in Psychology with a prevalence of female participants. METHODS Here we examined preference for curvature with 160 undergraduate students in Psychology, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science, balanced for gender. Participants viewed abstract shapes varying for contour (angular vs. curved). The shapes presented variations in Vertices (10, 20, 30) and Concavity (30%, 40%, 50%) to increase complexity. Participants rated how much they liked each shape on a 0 (dislike) to 100 (like) scale. Furthermore, because students in pure Science disciplines present autistic-like traits as measured with the Autism Quotient (AQ), and there is evidence that individuals with autism respond positively to edgy abstract shapes, participants also completed the AQ. RESULTS Overall participants preferred curved shapes to angular shapes. We confirmed past research showing that complexity played a key role, with simple shapes with less vertices (10 vertices) being preferred over shapes with larger number of vertices (20 and 30 vertices). Furthermore, simple shapes (10 vertices) were preferred more with more concavities (50%). Importantly, an interaction between academic degree and gender revealed that preference for smooth curvature was stronger for Psychology female participants. Science students scored higher than Psychology students on the AQ. Interestingly, multilevel analyses showed that the variability of AQ traits in the sample did not contribute to this interaction. The results are discussed in relation to theories of preference formation and individual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Palumbo
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Rampone
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Bertamini
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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18
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Korologou-Linden R, Leyden GM, Relton CL, Richmond RC, Richardson TG. Multi-omics analyses of cognitive traits and psychiatric disorders highlights brain-dependent mechanisms. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 32:ddab016. [PMID: 33481009 PMCID: PMC9990996 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating findings from genome-wide association studies with molecular datasets can develop insight into the underlying functional mechanisms responsible for trait-associated genetic variants. We have applied the principles of Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate whether brain-derived gene expression (n = 1194) may be responsible for mediating the effect of genetic variants on eight cognitive and psychological outcomes (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, depression, intelligence, insomnia, neuroticism and schizophrenia). Transcriptome-wide analyses identified 83 genes associated with at least one outcome (PBonferroni < 6.72 × 10-6), with multiple-trait colocalization also implicating changes to brain-derived DNA methylation at nine of these loci. Comparing effects between outcomes identified evidence of enrichment which may reflect putative causal relationships, such as an inverse relationship between genetic liability towards schizophrenia risk and cognitive ability in later life. Repeating these analyses in whole blood (n = 31 684), we replicated 58.2% of brain-derived effects (based on P < 0.05). Finally, we undertook phenome-wide evaluations at associated loci to investigate pleiotropic effects with 700 complex traits. This highlighted pleiotropic loci such as FURIN (initially implicated in schizophrenia risk (P = 1.05 × 10-7)) which had evidence of an effect on 28 other outcomes, as well as genes which may have a more specific role in disease pathogenesis (e.g. SLC12A5 which only provided evidence of an effect on depression (P = 7.13 × 10-10)). Our results support the utility of whole blood as a valuable proxy for informing initial target identification but also suggest that gene discovery in a tissue-specific manner may be more informative. Finally, non-pleiotropic loci highlighted by our study may be of use for therapeutic translational endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanna Korologou-Linden
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Genevieve M Leyden
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Rebecca C Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Tom G Richardson
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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19
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Han W, Chen BB. An evolutionary life history approach to understanding mental health. Gen Psychiatr 2020; 33:e100113. [PMID: 33089066 PMCID: PMC7534052 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2019-100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, evolutionary life history theory has been used as a heuristic framework to understand mental health. This article reviews the life history theory and its integration with mental disorders and then introduces representative research methods and related empirical studies in the field of evolutionary psychopathology. In the end, this article concludes with future directions for further research examining and developing the evolutionary psychopathological framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han
- Department of Psychology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin-Bin Chen
- Department of Psychology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Geurts HM, Pol SE, Lobbestael J, Simons CJP. Executive Functioning in 60+ Autistic Males: The Discrepancy Between Experienced Challenges and Cognitive Performance. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:1380-1390. [PMID: 31953573 PMCID: PMC7101290 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As executive functioning (EF) is especially sensitive to age-related cognitive decline, EF was evaluated by using a multi-method assessment. Fifty males (60-85 years) with a late adulthood autism spectrum condition (ASC) diagnosis and 51 non-ASC males (60-83 years) were compared on cognitive tests across EF domains (cognitive flexibility, planning, processing speed, and working memory) and a self- and proxy report of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version. While no objective performance differences emerged, autistic males and their proxies did report more EF challenges than non-ASC males on the subjective measure. In order to know how to support the older autistic men who received their ASC diagnosis in late adulthood with their daily life EF challenges, it is important to understand what underlies these subjective EF problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde M Geurts
- Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Postbus 15915, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassiagroup), Autism Clinic, Amstedam, The Netherlands.
| | - S E Pol
- GGzE, Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven and De Kempen, Centre for Elderly Psychiatry, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Reinier Van Arkel Group, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - J Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia J P Simons
- GGzE, Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven and De Kempen, Centre for Elderly Psychiatry, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
- Maastricht University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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21
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Jia R, Steelman ZR, Jia HH. Psychometric Assessments of Three Self-Report Autism Scales (AQ, RBQ-2A, and SQ) for General Adult Populations. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:1949-1965. [PMID: 30666582 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03880-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses the psychometric properties of three self-report measures of autistic-like tendencies in the general adult population: autistic spectrum quotient (AQ), adult repetitive behaviours questionnaire-2 (RBQ-2A), and systemizing quotient (SQ). Three rounds of development and testing using different U.S. and global samples led to three instruments that are psychometrically sound, parsimonious, and generalizable across populations. The resulting AQ-9, consisting of two factors: social communication and attention to detail, now mirrors the current dual diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5. The RBQ-2A-R has now been refined through CFA for the first time. The new SQ-7 scale also has updated content. All three refined scales demonstrate satisfactory psychometric validity and parsimony and now provide evidence of their appropriateness for empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Jia
- Illinois State University, 304 Old Union, Normal, IL, 61761, USA.
| | | | - Heather H Jia
- Illinois State University, 304 Old Union, Normal, IL, 61761, USA
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22
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Vuijk R, de Nijs PF, Deen M, Vitale S, Simons-Sprong M, Hengeveld MW. Temperament and character in men with autism spectrum disorder: A reanalysis of scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory by individual case matching. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2018; 12:55-59. [PMID: 30259003 PMCID: PMC6151855 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adulthood is increasing. Although a person may be diagnosed with ASD, the diagnosis reveals little about the individual's temperament, character, and personality. Also, relatively little is known about the personality of adults with ASD. METHOD A reanalysis of scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) administered to a group of 66 normally intelligent men aged 18-63 years, diagnosed with ASD, by individual case matching to a comparison group of 66 men from the general population drawn from the TCI manual. RESULTS Compared to the comparison group, men with ASD scored significantly higher on the scale for Harm Avoidance, and lower on Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness. CONCLUSIONS In this study the score pattern for temperament and character found in men with ASD by individual case matching confirms and strengthens earlier general group matching findings emerging from our 2012 study and from studies from Sweden and the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Vuijk
- Sarr Expertise Center for Autism, Parnassia Groep, Bavo Europoort, Oudedijk 76, 3062 AG, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pieter F.A. de Nijs
- Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Deen
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Kiwistraat 32, 2552 DH, The Hague, the Netherlands
- Institute of Psychology, Methodology and Statistics Unit, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Salvatore Vitale
- Erasmus MC, Department of Psychiatry, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Simons-Sprong
- Sarr Expertise Center for Autism, Parnassia Groep, Bavo Europoort, Oudedijk 76, 3062 AG, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel W. Hengeveld
- Erasmus MC, Department of Psychiatry, 's Gravendijkwal 230, 3015 CE, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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23
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Camodeca A, Todd KQ, Hosack A. Intact verbal fluency abilities in the Broad Autism Phenotype. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:443-452. [PMID: 30316172 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This study attempted to replicate the findings of Camodeca and Voelker (2016), who demonstrated that controlled processing weaknesses were evident in the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP), and that these weaknesses were predictive of real-world pragmatic language problems. One hundred eighty-two undergraduates completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Verbal Fluency (D-KEFS-VF) test and the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ). Results were partially replicated. Contrary to the previous study, the BAP group (n = 31) did not demonstrate comparative weaknesses in controlled processing, nor were controlled processing abilities predictive of BAPQ Pragmatic Language score. Similar to the previous study, controlled processing did not predict pragmatic language abilities for Non-BAP (n = 151) subjects. For each group, letter fluency score predicted 2nd 15″ interval score (controlled processing abilities); automatic processing (1st 15″ interval) did not. Results suggest that verbal fluency skills in the BAP are similar to controls, and that controlled processing does not account for significant variance in real-world social language in the BAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Camodeca
- The Pennsylvania State University, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA 15061, USA.
| | - Kylie Q Todd
- The Pennsylvania State University, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA 15061, USA
| | - Alexandra Hosack
- The Pennsylvania State University, 100 University Drive, Monaca, PA 15061, USA
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24
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Lodi-Smith J, Rodgers JD, Cunningham SA, Lopata C, Thomeer ML. Meta-analysis of Big Five personality traits in autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:556-565. [PMID: 29676605 DOI: 10.1177/1362361318766571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present meta-analysis synthesizes the emerging literature on the relationship of Big Five personality traits to autism spectrum disorder. Studies were included if they (1) either (a) measured autism spectrum disorder characteristics using a metric that yielded a single score quantification of the magnitude of autism spectrum disorder characteristics and/or (b) studied individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis compared to individuals without an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and (2) measured Big Five traits in the same sample or samples. Fourteen reviewed studies include both correlational analyses and group comparisons. Eighteen effect sizes per Big Five trait were used to calculate two overall effect sizes per trait. Meta-analytic effects were calculated using random effects models. Twelve effects (per trait) from nine studies reporting correlations yielded a negative association between each Big Five personality trait and autism spectrum disorder characteristics (Fisher's z ranged from -.21 (conscientiousness) to -.50 (extraversion)). Six group contrasts (per trait) from six studies comparing individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to neurotypical individuals were also substantial (Hedges' g ranged from -.88 (conscientiousness) to -1.42 (extraversion)). The potential impact of personality on important life outcomes and new directions for future research on personality in autism spectrum disorder are discussed in light of results.
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Vuijk R, Deen M, Sizoo B, Arntz A. Temperament, Character, and Personality Disorders in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-018-0131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Dinsdale NL, Crespi BJ. Revisiting the wandering womb: Oxytocin in endometriosis and bipolar disorder. Horm Behav 2017; 96:69-83. [PMID: 28919554 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocrates attributed women's high emotionality - hysteria - to a 'wandering womb'. Although hysteria diagnoses were abandoned along with the notion that displaced wombs cause emotional disturbance, recent research suggests that elevated levels of oxytocin occur in both bipolar disorder and endometriosis, a gynecological condition involving migration of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus. We propose and evaluate the hypothesis that elevated oxytocinergic system activity jointly contributes to bipolar disorder and endometriosis. First, we provide relevant background on endometriosis and bipolar disorder, and then we examine evidence for comorbidity between these conditions. We next: (1) review oxytocin's associations with personality traits, especially extraversion and openness, and how they overlap with bipolar spectrum traits; (2) describe evidence for higher oxytocinergic activity in both endometriosis and bipolar disorder; (3) examine altered hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functioning in both conditions; (4) describe data showing that medications that treat one condition can improve symptoms of the other; (5) discuss fitness-related impacts of endometriosis and bipolar disorder; and (6) review a pair of conditions, polycystic ovary syndrome and autism, that show evidence of involving reduced oxytocinergic activity, in direct contrast to endometriosis and bipolar disorder. Considered together, the bipolar spectrum and endometriosis appear to involve dysregulated high extremes of normally adaptive pleiotropy in the female oxytocin system, whereby elevated levels of oxytocinergic activity coordinate outgoing sociality with heightened fertility, apparently characterizing, overall, a faster life history. These findings should prompt a re-examination of how mind-body interactions, and the pleiotropic endocrine systems that underlie them, contribute to health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie L Dinsdale
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, 9 Campus Drive, 154 Arts, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N 5A5, SK, Canada.
| | - Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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Rodgers JD, Lodi-Smith J, Hill PL, Spain SM, Lopata C, Thomeer ML. Brief Report: Personality Mediates the Relationship between Autism Quotient and Well-Being: A Conceptual Replication using Self-Report. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:307-315. [PMID: 28918443 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts well-being across the lifespan. Individuals with ASD evidence differences in personality traits and self-concept clarity that are predictors of well-being in typically-developing individuals. The current research replicates a growing body of evidence demonstrating differences in well-being and personality between individuals low in ASD characteristics (n = 207) and individuals high in ASD characteristics (n = 46) collected from the general population using an online survey. Results were consistent in a subsample of demographically matched pairs (n = 39 per group) and relative to norms. Further, the current research provides the first evidence that openness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and self-concept clarity mediate the relationship between ASD characteristics and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Rodgers
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, Science Hall 1016B, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA.
| | - Jennifer Lodi-Smith
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, Science Hall 1016B, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA
| | - Patrick L Hill
- Washington University in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Seth M Spain
- School of Management, Binghamton University, P. O. Box 6000, Vestal, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Christopher Lopata
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, Science Hall 1016B, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA
| | - Marcus L Thomeer
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, Science Hall 1016B, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14208, USA
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Neuroticism and the Overlap Between Autistic and ADHD Traits: Findings From a Population Sample of Young Adult Australian Twins. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:319-329. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuroticism, a ‘Big Five’ personality trait, has been associated with sub-clinical traits of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective of the current study was to examine whether causal overlap between ASD and ADHD traits can be accounted for by genetic and environmental risk factors that are shared with neuroticism. We performed twin-based structural equation modeling using self-report data from 12 items of the Neo Five-Factor Inventory Neuroticism domain, 11 Social Responsiveness Scale items, and 12 Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale items obtained from 3,170 young adult Australian individual twins (1,081 complete pairs). Univariate analysis for neuroticism, ASD, and ADHD traits suggested that the most parsimonious models were those with additive genetic and unique environmental components, without sex limitation effects. Heritability of neuroticism, ASD, and ADHD traits, as measured by these methods, was moderate (between 40% and 45% for each respective trait). In a trivariate model, we observed moderate phenotypic (between 0.45 and 0.62), genetic (between 0.56 and 0.71), and unique environmental correlations (between 0.37and 0.55) among neuroticism, ASD, and ADHD traits, with the highest value for the shared genetic influence between neuroticism and self-reported ASD traits (rg = 0.71). Together, our results suggest that in young adults, genetic, and unique environmental risk factors indexed by neuroticism overlap with those that are shared by ASD and ADHD.
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