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Clinical Characteristics of Youth with Autism or Developmental Disability during Inpatient Psychiatric Admission. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216328. [PMID: 36362556 PMCID: PMC9658441 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) often experience severe co-occurring psychological and behavioral challenges, which can warrant inpatient psychiatric care. However, very little is known about the characteristics and clinical care of children with ASD/DD within the context of inpatient psychiatric settings. In this paper, we describe factors unique to inpatients with ASD or DD, by drawing on electronic health records from over 2300 children and adolescents ages 4–17 years admitted to a pediatric psychiatric inpatient unit over a 3-year period. Patients with ASD/DD accounted for approximately 16% of inpatients and 21% of admissions, were younger, more likely to be readmitted, more likely to be male, and more likely to have Medicaid insurance, as compared to patients without ASD/DD. Clinically, those with ASD/DD more frequently had externalizing concerns documented in their records, in contrast to more frequent internalizing concerns among other patients. Within the ASD/DD group, we identified effects of patient age, sex, and race/ethnicity on multiple dimensions of clinical care, including length of stay, use of physical restraint, and patterns of medication use. Results suggest the need for psychiatric screening tools that are appropriate for ASD/DD populations, and intentional integration of anti-racist practices into inpatient care, particularly with regard to use of physical restraint among youth.
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Huber CR, Fanaro Z, Soti V. Gender Trends in Psychotropic Medication Use in Autism. Cureus 2022; 14:e26447. [PMID: 35800200 PMCID: PMC9245521 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that includes differences in social communication and restrictive, repetitive behavior. Its diagnosis is far more common in men than women. Therefore, a female phenotype of autism might not concern caregivers or be detected early by clinical assessments. Given that medications address problematic behaviors rather than autism, different problems associated with autism necessitate other treatments. We reviewed existing literature on gender differences in psychotropic drug usage in autism patients and found that antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and mood stabilizers were more common in females, while stimulants and antipsychotics were predominant in males. This review highlights that autistic men and women receive different pharmacologic agents, likely attributable to gender-specific trends in presenting problematic behaviors.
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Nezgovorova V, Ferretti CJ, Taylor BP, Shanahan E, Uzunova G, Hong K, Devinsky O, Hollander E. Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:194-201. [PMID: 33689997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are limited in efficacy and are often associated with substantial side effects. These medications typically ameliorate problem behaviors associated with ASD, but do not target core symptom domains. As a result, there is a significant amount of research underway for development of novel experimental therapeutics. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived lipid neuromodulators, which, in combination with their receptors and associated metabolic enzymes, constitute the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Cannabinoid signaling may be involved in the social impairment and repetitive behaviors observed in those with ASD. In this review, we discuss a possible role of the EC system in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance and immune dysregulation in ASD. Novel treatments for the core symptom domains of ASD are needed and phytocannabinoids could be useful experimental therapeutics for core symptoms and associated domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nezgovorova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - C J Ferretti
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - B P Taylor
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - E Shanahan
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - G Uzunova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - K Hong
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - O Devinsky
- New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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Conner CM, Golt J, Shaffer R, Righi G, Siegel M, Mazefsky CA. Emotion Dysregulation is Substantially Elevated in Autism Compared to the General Population: Impact on Psychiatric Services. Autism Res 2020; 14:169-181. [PMID: 33815651 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that emotion regulation (ER) impairment in those with ASD is associated with poor mental health. This study used the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory, a new norm-referenced ER measure with clinical cut-offs, developed and validated in ASD and non-ASD samples, to establish rates of ER impairment and understand its association with psychiatric service use in ASD. Parents of 6-17 year olds in three well-characterized samples (nationally representative US n = 1,000; community ASD n = 1,169; inpatient ASD n = 567) completed a battery of questionnaires about their child. The prevalence of ER impairment was significantly higher in the ASD groups compared to the nationally representative sample and highest in the psychiatric Inpatient ASD group. The community ASD and inpatient ASD samples were four and seven times more likely, respectively, to exceed clinical cutoffs for emotional reactivity than the general US sample. Similarly, history of psychiatric hospitalization, recent emergency services use (police contact, emergency room visits, or in-home crisis evaluations for emotional or behavioral concerns in the past 2 months), and psychotropic medication prescriptions were significantly higher in the ASD groups. ER impairment was significantly associated with all forms of psychiatric service use, after controlling for demographics (age, sex, race), co-occurring intellectual disability, and ADHD symptoms. This is the first large-scale study to document substantially higher rates of ER impairment in youth with ASD compared to the general population. The importance of ER impairment is underscored by its association with higher utilization of inpatient, emergency, and medication services in ASD, after accounting for demographics and ADHD-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Conner
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Josh Golt
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | | | | | | | - Carla A Mazefsky
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kiselev Y, Handal M, Hjellvik V, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Stoltenberg C, Suren P, Havdahl A, Skurtveit S. Nationwide Study of Neuropsychiatric Comorbidity and Medicines Use in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Norway. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:596032. [PMID: 33363486 PMCID: PMC7753175 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.596032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a high rate of comorbidity. While many children with ASD are exposed to psychotropic medicines, their efficacy and safety in these patients are unclear. There is a need for more detailed knowledge on which medicines are most commonly used and for which disorders. We aimed to investigate (a) prevalence and incidence rate of ASD among Norwegian children, and further, among newly diagnosed ASD children in 2014, study the (b) co-occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders, (c) use of psychotropic drugs, and (d) the relationship between co-occurring diagnoses and use of psychotropic drugs. Method: Nationwide registry-based study of children 2-17 years old in Norway. Results: The ASD prevalence was 0.76% and the incidence rate was 0.12% in 2014. Of the children who received an initial ASD diagnosis in 2014 (n = 1,234), 64.8% had one or more co-occurring neuropsychiatric diagnosis. Psychotropic medication use was moderate (~20% used stimulants or hypnotics) in general, and low in children without comorbidity (nearly only hypnotics). There was a good accordance between co-occurring diagnoses and indication for the prescribed medications. Conclusions: Children with newly diagnosed ASD mainly received psychotropic drugs to treat co-occurring neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Kiselev
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marte Handal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Pål Suren
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Shields MC, Akobirshoev I, Dembo RS, Mitra M. Self-Injurious Behavior Among Adults With ASD: Hospitalizations, Length of Stay, and Costs of Resources to Deliver Care. Psychiatr Serv 2019; 70:457-464. [PMID: 30841844 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201800318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research on hospitalizations related to self-injurious behavior and ideation among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited. This study compared admissions, average length of stay, and costs of resources to deliver care for such hospitalizations between adults with and without ASD. METHODS The 2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample was used to compare 5,341 discharge records for adults with ASD and 16,023 records for adults without ASD, matched on age and gender in a 1:3 ratio. Hierarchical logistic and linear regressions accounted for clustering by hospital. Covariates included gender, race-ethnicity, age, region, comorbidities, number of procedures, and insurance. RESULTS Among hospitalized adults, those with ASD were twice as likely as those without ASD to have a hospitalization related to self-injurious behavior and ideation. Among hospital stays for self-injurious behavior and ideation, adults with ASD had average lengths of stay that were 2.14 days longer (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.20-3.08) compared with adults without ASD. Among adults with a hospitalization related to self-injurious behavior and ideation, unadjusted average costs for those with ASD were 36.8% higher than for adults without ASD. After the analysis accounted for covariates and length of stay, adults with ASD still had 7.48% (95% CI=1.05%-14.32%) higher costs. CONCLUSIONS Adults with ASD were twice as likely as adults without ASD to have a hospitalization related to self-injurious behavior and ideation. Among adults with such a hospitalization, those with ASD had longer stays and, even after the analysis accounted for length of stay, higher costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C Shields
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy (Shields, Akobirshoev, Dembo, Mitra) and Institute for Behavioral Health (Shields), Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Ilhom Akobirshoev
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy (Shields, Akobirshoev, Dembo, Mitra) and Institute for Behavioral Health (Shields), Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Robert S Dembo
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy (Shields, Akobirshoev, Dembo, Mitra) and Institute for Behavioral Health (Shields), Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Monika Mitra
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy (Shields, Akobirshoev, Dembo, Mitra) and Institute for Behavioral Health (Shields), Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts
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Siegel M. The Severe End of the Spectrum: Insights and Opportunities from the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC). J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3641-3646. [PMID: 30178106 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3731-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Research on individuals severely affected by autism, including those who are minimally verbal, have intellectual disability or challenging behaviors, has become less common. The Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) was initiated so data on this group is available to the research community. Ten studies utilizing phenotypic data from the first 350 AIC participants are presented. Greater autism severity, sleep disturbance, and psychiatric disorders are risks for hospitalization; fluently verbal youth experience more depression and oppositional symptoms; lower adaptive/coping skills are associated with increased problem behaviors; lower IQ is a risk for SIB; post-traumatic and suicidal symptoms are common; and challenging behaviors improve with specialized inpatient treatment. A new measure of emotion regulation and prescribing practices are described and future research discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Siegel
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA.
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A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Study of Riluzole for Drug-Refractory Irritability in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3051-3060. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Pedersen KA, Santangelo SL, Gabriels RL, Righi G, Erard M, Siegel M. Behavioral Outcomes of Specialized Psychiatric Hospitalization in the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC): A Multisite Comparison. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:3658-3667. [PMID: 29170939 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric hospitalization of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is relatively common and occurs at a higher rate than in non-ASD youth. This study compared changes in the severity of serious problem behaviors in 350 youth with ASD enrolled in the autism inpatient collection during and after hospitalization in six specialized child psychiatry units. There was a significant reduction in serious problem behaviors from admission (aberrant behavior checklist-irritability subscale M = 29.7, SD 9.6) to discharge (M = 15.0, SD 10.3) and 2-month follow-up (M = 19.3, SD 10.3). Between discharge and 2-month follow-up, tantrum-like behaviors but not self-injurious behaviors increased slightly. Improvement in the severity of problem behaviors was not uniform across sites, even after controlling for measured site differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahsi A Pedersen
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA. .,Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110, USA.
| | - Susan L Santangelo
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Road, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
| | - Robin L Gabriels
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 E. 16th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Giulia Righi
- Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael Erard
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA
| | - Matthew Siegel
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 509 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, 04101, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110, USA.,Developmental Disorders Program, Spring Harbor Hospital, 123 Andover Road, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
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