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Jeong JH, Kim SW, Yu JC, Won SH, Lee SH, Kim SH, Kang SH, Kim E, Chung YC, Lee KY. Clinical, cognitive, and functional characteristics of recent-onset psychosis with autistic features: A 2-year longitudinal study. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:304-316. [PMID: 38944977 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Though categorized as separate illnesses, schizophrenia and autism are known to exhibit shared characteristics. This study explored the distinctions in clinical, cognitive, and functional characteristics among individuals with recent-onset psychosis, considering the severity of their autistic symptoms, involving longitudinal examinations. We analyzed 671 patients with recent-onset psychosis from Korean Early Psychosis Cohort Study (KEPS), and used the PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS) to categorize patient into 'autistic', 'moderate', and 'non-autistic' groups. The autistic group had the highest rate of schizophrenia diagnosis, and the lowest incidence of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia diagnosis predicted membership of the autistic group. More severe autistic symptoms correlated with worse overall symptoms and functional outcomes, which significantly predicted membership of the autistic group. Cognitive impairments and emotional recognition difficulties increased with the severity of autistic symptoms. 2-year longitudinal assessments demonstrated that group differences in autistic features and overall symptoms, and functional outcomes remained consistent, and membership of the autistic group significantly predicted symptomatic remission and functional recovery. In conclusion, the presence of autistic symptoms has a significant impact on the overall symptomatology and functional capabilities. They are enduring attributes rather than temporary state variables, and serve as a significant predictor for both symptomatic and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hoon Jeong
- Department of Psychiatry, Nowon Eulji University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Chun Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shi Hyun Kang
- Department of Social Psychiatry and Rehabilitation, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Euitae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyu Young Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Nowon Eulji University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Chisholm K, Schirmbeck F, Pinkham AE, Sasson NJ, Simons CJP, de Haan L, Harvey PD, Penn DL, Ziermans T. A Cross-sectional Conceptual Replication and Longitudinal Evaluation of the PANSS-Autism-Severity-Score Measure Suggests it Does Not Capture Autistic Traits in Individuals With Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2023:sbad161. [PMID: 37992238 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism and psychosis co-occur at elevated rates, with implications for clinical outcomes, functioning, and suicidality. The PANSS-Autism-Severity-Score (PAUSS) is a measure of autism trait severity which has not yet been validated externally or longitudinally. STUDY DESIGN Participants were derived from the GROUP and SCOPE datasets. Participants included 1448 adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD), 800 SSD-siblings, 103 adults diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC), and 409 typically-developing controls (TC). Analyses from the original validation study were conducted with SSD participants, and extended into ASC, SSD-sibling, and TC participants. Test-retest reliability of the PAUSS at 2-weeks and long-term stability 3 and 6-years was also examined. STUDY RESULTS Results differed in important ways from the original validation. SSD participants reported higher PAUSS scores than other groups, with only a fraction of ASC participants scoring as "PAUSS-Autistic." Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for the SSD cohort only. Two-week stability of the PAUSS was fair to good for all PAUSS scores. Long-term stability was poor for most PAUSS items but fair for total PAUSS score. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the PAUSS does not appear appropriate for assessing autism, with the low rate of PAUSS-Autistic in the ASC population suggesting the PAUSS may not accurately reflect characteristics of autism. The relative lack of long-term stability is cause for concern and suggestive that the PAUSS is capturing features of psychosis rather than autism traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Chisholm
- School of Psychology, Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Aston St, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amy E Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Noah J Sasson
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Claudia J P Simons
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GGzE Institute for Mental Health Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip D Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Research Service, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, USA
| | - David L Penn
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Ziermans
- Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Davut G, Onur D, Hüseyin G. Autistic features and executive functions in first episode psychosis: Associations with functionality and quality of life. Early Interv Psychiatry 2023; 17:814-823. [PMID: 36653734 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM The present study aimed at investigating the relationships between autistic features and cognitive deficits, functionality and quality of life in first episode psychosis (FEP) patients. METHODS Sixty FEP patients [mean age (SD) = 32.53 (10.74), n = 23 female, n = 37 male] were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a sociodemographic and clinical data form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS), the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form in Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF TR). RESULTS Autistic symptom severity was found to be higher in males than females, and higher in patients with a family history of psychotic disorder. An inverse relationship was found between the duration of education and the severity of autistic symptoms. While there was an inverse relationship between autistic symptom severity and executive functions and functionality, no significant correlation was found with quality of life. Negative symptom severity was a predictor of executive functions and functionality. No significant difference was observed between autistic and psychotic domains which were related to executive functions. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to examine the relationship between autistic/psychotic symptoms and executive functions and functionality in patients with FEP. The results show that autistic symptoms are associated with worse social and personal functioning and worse executive functions in patients with FEP. Longitudinal follow-up studies with larger samples are required to determine the direction of the relations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genç Davut
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Durmaz Onur
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Güleç Hüseyin
- Erenköy Mental Health and Neurology Training and Research Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Jutla A, Foss-Feig J, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia: An updated conceptual review. Autism Res 2022; 15:384-412. [PMID: 34967130 PMCID: PMC8931527 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are separate disorders, with distinct clinical profiles and natural histories. ASD, typically diagnosed in childhood, is characterized by restricted or repetitive interests or behaviors and impaired social communication, and it tends to have a stable course. SCZ, typically diagnosed in adolescence or adulthood, is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and tends to be associated with declining function. However, youth with ASD are three to six times more likely to develop SCZ than their neurotypical counterparts, and increasingly, research has shown that ASD and SCZ converge at several levels. We conducted a systematic review of studies since 2013 relevant to understanding this convergence, and present here a narrative synthesis of key findings, which we have organized into four broad categories: symptoms and behavior, perception and cognition, biomarkers, and genetic and environmental risk. We then discuss opportunities for future research into the phenomenology and neurobiology of overlap between ASD and SCZ. Understanding this overlap will allow for researchers, and eventually clinicians, to understand the factors that may make a child with ASD vulnerable to developing SCZ. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia are distinct diagnoses, but people with autism and people with schizophrena share several characteristics. We review recent studies that have examined these areas of overlap, and discuss the kinds of studies we will need to better understand how these disorders are related. Understanding this will be important to help us identify which autistic children are at risk of developing schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Jutla
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States
| | - Jennifer Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Gustave L. Levy
Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and
Surgeons, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside
Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, United States
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New
York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White
Plains, NY 10605, United States
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Abu-Akel A, Wood SJ, Upthegrove R, Chisholm K, Lin A, Hansen PC, Gillespie SM, Apperly IA, Montag C. Psychosocial functioning in the balance between autism and psychosis: evidence from three populations. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2976-2984. [PMID: 35422471 PMCID: PMC9205777 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Functional impairment is a core feature of both autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. While diagnostically independent, they can co-occur in the same individual at both the trait and diagnostic levels. The effect of such co-occurrence is hypothesized to worsen functional impairment. The diametric model, however, suggests that the disorders are etiologically and phenotypically diametrical, representing the extreme of a unidimensional continuum of cognition and behavior. A central prediction of this model is that functional impairment would be attenuated in individuals with mixed symptom expressions or genetic liability to both disorders. We tested this hypothesis in two clinical populations and one healthy population. In individuals with chronic schizophrenia and in individuals with first episode psychosis we evaluated the combined effect of autistic traits and positive psychotic symptoms on psychosocial functioning. In healthy carriers of alleles of copy number variants (CNVs) that confer risk for both autism and schizophrenia, we also evaluated whether variation in psychosocial functioning depended on the combined risk conferred by each CNV. Relative to individuals with biased symptom/CNV risk profiles, results show that functional impairments are attenuated in individuals with relatively equal levels of positive symptoms and autistic traits-and specifically stereotypic behaviors-, and in carriers of CNVs with relatively equal risks for either disorder. However, the pattern of effects along the "balance axis" varied across the groups, with this attenuation being generally less pronounced in individuals with high-high symptom/risk profile in the schizophrenia and CNV groups, and relatively similar for low-low and high-high individuals in the first episode psychosis group. Lower levels of functional impairments in individuals with "balanced" symptom profile or genetic risks would suggest compensation across mechanisms associated with autism and schizophrenia. CNVs that confer equal risks for both disorders may provide an entry point for investigations into such compensatory mechanisms. The co-assessment of autism and schizophrenia may contribute to personalized prognosis and stratification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 31905, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Stephen J. Wood
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.488501.00000 0004 8032 6923Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK ,grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK ,Forward Thinking Birmingham and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, 1 Printing House Street, Birmingham, B4 6DF UK
| | - Katharine Chisholm
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK ,grid.7273.10000 0004 0376 4727Department of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET UK
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, 15 Hospital Avenue, Perth, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Peter C. Hansen
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Steven M. Gillespie
- grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB UK
| | - Ian A. Apperly
- grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Christiane Montag
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité University Medicine Berlin (Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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6
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Komatsu H, Ono T, Onoguchi G, Tomita H, Kakuto Y. Mediating effects of self-stigma and depression on the association between autistic symptoms and recovery in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:464. [PMID: 34556056 PMCID: PMC8461904 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have indicated that self-stigma is associated with depressive symptoms and could be a barrier to recovery in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. More recently, an association between autistic symptoms and self-stigma was found in schizophrenia-spectrum patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-stigma, autistic and depressive symptoms, and recovery in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS In total, 105 participants were evaluated using the Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, and the Recovery Assessment Scale to investigate autistic symptoms, self-stigma, depressive symptoms, and recovery, respectively. The relationship between self-stigma, autistic symptoms, depressive symptoms, and recovery was assessed using structural equation modeling analysis. RESULTS Impaired attention switching, one symptom of autism, was found to positively affect stereotype endorsement, which negatively influenced recovery through depressive symptoms. Moreover, problems with communication skills negatively affected recovery through depressive symptoms. Concerning self-stigma, stereotype endorsement and perceived discrimination had a negative effect on recovery through depressive symptoms, whereas stigma resistance had a direct negative effect on recovery. CONCLUSIONS This study may provide meaningful insight into the psychological structure of recovery and could inform effective interventions for patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This was a cross-sectionally designed study; therefore, further longitudinal studies are needed to identify the causal relationships between self-stigma, autistic and depressive symptoms, and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Komatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan. .,Department of Psychiatry, Miyagi Psychiatric Center, Mubanchi, Tekurada, Natori, 981-1231, Japan.
| | - Takashi Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Miyagi Psychiatric Center, Mubanchi, Tekurada, Natori, 981-1231 Japan
| | - Goh Onoguchi
- grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- grid.412757.20000 0004 0641 778XDepartment of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aobaku, Sendai, 980-8573 Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan ,grid.69566.3a0000 0001 2248 6943Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kakuto
- Department of Psychiatry, Miyagi Psychiatric Center, Mubanchi, Tekurada, Natori, 981-1231 Japan
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7
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Zheng S, Chua YC, Tang C, Tan GMY, Abdin E, Lim VWQ, Koh AS, Verma S, Magiati I. Autistic traits in first-episode psychosis: Rates and association with 1-year recovery outcomes. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:849-855. [PMID: 32710521 PMCID: PMC8366507 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM There is a growing appreciation that subthreshold but clinically elevated levels of autistic traits are clinically relevant. This study examined autistic traits in Singaporean patients with first-episode psychosis and their association with 1-year psychosis recovery. METHODS The relationship between baseline patient characteristics, autistic traits (measured with autism screening questionnaires) and psychosis recovery outcomes at 1-year were examined in 180 adults in the Early Intervention Psychosis Programme in Singapore. RESULTS Out of 180 participants, 50 (27.8%) had clinically elevated above screening-cut off levels of autistic traits on the self-reported 10-item Autism Spectrum Quotient and 8 (4.4%) on the staff-rated Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults Screening Questionnaire. At baseline, those with more autistic traits were more likely to be unemployed, economically inactive (ie, students or homemakers); and to have diagnoses of mood disorder with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified as compared to schizophrenia spectrum and delusional disorder diagnoses. Although most participants showed improvements in their clinical outcomes at 1-year, those with higher autistic traits improved less in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale general psychopathology scale and in Global Assessment of Functioning symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS Autistic traits are common in those with first-episode psychosis and may be associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Validated screening tools should be developed in this population to support earlier reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shushan Zheng
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Yi Chian Chua
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tang
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Giles Ming-Yee Tan
- Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | | | - Vicki Wei Qi Lim
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.,Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Astelle Shiyun Koh
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Swapna Verma
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Iliana Magiati
- Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.,Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Strauss P, Cook A, Watson V, Winter S, Whitehouse A, Albrecht N, Wright Toussaint D, Lin A. Mental health difficulties among trans and gender diverse young people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Findings from Trans Pathways. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:360-367. [PMID: 33761424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent research highlights an overlap of gender diversity and autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, data on individuals who are trans and also on the autism spectrum are largely from clinical samples and may not be representative of individuals who are trans with ASD in the general population. In addition, there is scant literature on the mental health of these individuals and their experiences in accessing gender-affirming care. We investigated the prevalence of ASD in trans young people, their mental health (psychiatric diagnoses and self-harm and suicidal behaviors) and experiences in accessing gender-affirming care. This is an analysis of data collected in an Australian cross-sectional mixed methods survey (N = 859) of trans young people aged 14-25 years. Overall, 22.5% of participants had ever received a diagnosis of ASD from a health professional. This group was more likely to exhibit current psychopathology, have engaged in self-harming and suicidal behaviors, and was also more likely than the non-ASD diagnosed reference group to have received a psychiatric diagnosis. The ASD-diagnosed group were also more likely to experience barriers in accessing gender-affirming care. This is the first large population-based sample of trans individuals with ASD to report on mental health outcomes and experiences in accessing gender-affirming care. We highlight the necessity for clinicians working with either trans or ASD populations to have awareness of the co-occurrence, and to cultivate skills to work with individuals who are both trans and on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Strauss
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Angus Cook
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Watson
- Youth Mental Health, North Metropolitan Health Service, Western Australian Department of Health, Perth, Australia.
| | - Sam Winter
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Nicole Albrecht
- Youth Mental Health, North Metropolitan Health Service, Western Australian Department of Health, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
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9
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Cremone IM, Gesi C, D'Ermo A, De Iorio G, Massimetti G, Aguglia E, Bucci P, Carpiniello B, Fagiolini A, Roncone R, Siracusano A, Vita A, Carmassi C, Maj M. Autism spectrum in patients with schizophrenia: correlations with real-life functioning, resilience, and coping styles. CNS Spectr 2021:1-11. [PMID: 33843551 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852921000353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous researches highlighted among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) a significant presence of autistic traits, which seem to influence clinical and functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to further deepen the investigation, evaluating how patients with SSD with or without autistic traits may differ with respect to levels of functioning, self-esteem, resilience, and coping profiles. METHODS As part of the add-on autism spectrum study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses, 164 outpatients with schizophrenia (SCZ) were recruited at eight Italian University psychiatric clinics. Subjects were grouped depending on the presence of significant autistic traits according to the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) instrument ("AT group" vs "No AT group"). Other instruments employed were: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Specific Levels of Functioning (SLOF), Self-Esteem Rating scale (SERS), Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), and brief-COPE. RESULTS The "AT group" reported significantly higher scores than the "No AT group" on SLOF activities of community living but significantly lower scores on work skills subscale. The same group scored significantly lower also on SERS total score and RSA perception of the self subscale. Higher scores were reported on COPE self-blame, use of emotional support and humor domains in the AT group. Several correlations were found between specific dimensions of the instruments. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the presence of specific patterns of functioning, resilience, and coping abilities among SSD patients with autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Camilla Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Arcangelo D'Ermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Iorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Clinical Department of Mental Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rita Roncone
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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