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Chen Y, Li W, Lv L, Yue W. Shared Genetic Determinants of Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder Implicate Opposite Risk Patterns: A Genome-Wide Analysis of Common Variants. Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae044. [PMID: 38616054 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae044] [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: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS The synaptic pruning hypothesis posits that schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may represent opposite ends of neurodevelopmental disorders: individuals with ASD exhibit an overabundance of synapses and connections while SCZ was characterized by excessive pruning of synapses and a reduction. Given the strong genetic predisposition of both disorders, we propose a shared genetic component, with certain loci having differential regulatory impacts. STUDY DESIGN Genome-Wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of European descent from SCZ (N cases = 53 386, N controls = 77 258) and ASD (N cases = 18 381, N controls = 27 969) were analyzed. We used genetic correlation, bivariate causal mixture model, conditional false discovery rate method, colocalization, Transcriptome-Wide Association Study (TWAS), and Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) to investigate the genetic overlap and gene expression pattern. STUDY RESULTS We found a positive genetic correlation between SCZ and ASD (rg = .26, SE = 0.01, P = 7.87e-14), with 11 genomic loci jointly influencing both conditions (conjFDR <0.05). Functional analysis highlights a significant enrichment of shared genes during early to mid-fetal developmental stages. A notable genetic region on chromosome 17q21.31 (lead SNP rs2696609) showed strong evidence of colocalization (PP.H4.abf = 0.85). This SNP rs2696609 is linked to many imaging-derived brain phenotypes. TWAS indicated opposing gene expression patterns (primarily pseudogenes and long noncoding RNAs [lncRNAs]) for ASD and SCZ in the 17q21.31 region and some genes (LRRC37A4P, LINC02210, and DND1P1) exhibit considerable variation in the cerebellum across the lifespan. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support a shared genetic basis for SCZ and ASD. A common genetic variant, rs2696609, located in the Chr17q21.31 locus, may exert differential risk regulation on SCZ and ASD by altering brain structure. Future studies should focus on the role of pseudogenes, lncRNAs, and cerebellum in synaptic pruning and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorder, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorder, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorder, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Province People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weihua Yue
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Cognitive Disorder (2018RU006), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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2
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Gupta N, Gupta M. Off-label psychopharmacological interventions for autism spectrum disorders: strategic pathways for clinicians. CNS Spectr 2024; 29:10-25. [PMID: 37539695 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852923002389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to see a trend upward with a noticeable increase to 1 in 36 children less than 8 years of age in the recent MMWR. There are many factors linked to the substantially increased burden of seeking mental health services, and clinically these individuals are likely to present for impairments associated with co-occurring conditions. The advances in cutting-edge research and the understanding of co-occurring conditions in addition to psychosocial interventions have provided a window of opportunity for psychopharmacological interventions given the limited availability of therapeutics for core symptomatology. The off-label psychopharmacological treatments for these co-occurring conditions are central to clinical practice. However, the scattered evidence remains an impediment for practitioners to systematically utilize these options. The review collates the crucial scientific literature to provide stepwise treatment alternatives for individuals with ASD; with an aim to lead practitioners in making informed and shared decisions. There are many questions about the safety and tolerability of off-label medications; however, it is considered the best practice to utilize the available empirical data in providing psychoeducation for patients, families, and caregivers. The review also covers experimental medications and theoretical underpinnings to enhance further experimental studies. In summary, amidst the growing clinical needs for individuals with ASD and the lack of approved clinical treatments, the review addresses these gaps with a practical guide to appraise the risk and benefits of off-label medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayank Gupta
- Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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3
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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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4
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Cooper C, Meso AI. Cognitive-perceptual traits associated with autism and schizotypy influence use of physics during predictive visual tracking. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:4236-4254. [PMID: 37850610 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16169] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can disrupt cognition and consequently behaviour. Traits of ASD and the subclinical manifestation of schizophrenia called schizotypy have been studied in healthy populations with overlap found in trait profiles linking ASD social deficits to negative schizotypy and ASD attention to detail to positive schizotypy. Here, we probed the relationship between subtrait profiles, cognition and behaviour, using a predictive tracking task to measure individuals' eye movements under three gravity conditions. A total of 48 healthy participants tracked an on-screen projected ball under familiar gravity, inverted upward acceleration (against gravity) and horizontal gravity control conditions while eye movements were recorded and dynamic performance quantified. Participants completed ASD and schizotypy inventories generating highly correlated scores, r = 0.73. All tracked best under the gravity condition, producing anticipatory downward responses from stimulus onset which were delayed under upward inverted gravity. Tracking performance was not associated with overall ASD or schizotypy trait levels. Combining measures using principal components analysis (PCA), we decomposed the inventories into subtraits unveiling interesting patterns. Positive schizotypy was associated with ASD dimensions of rigidity, odd behaviour and face processing, which all linked to anticipatory tracking responses under inverted gravity. In contrast, negative schizotypy was associated with ASD dimensions of social interactions and rigidity and to early stimulus-driven tracking under gravity. There was also substantial nonspecific overlap between ASD and schizotypy dissociated from tracking. Our work links positive-odd traits with anticipatory tracking when physics rules are violated and negative-social traits with exploitation of physics laws of motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Cooper
- Acute Inpatient Psychology, Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
- Psychology and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Group, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Andrew Isaac Meso
- Psychology and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Group, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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5
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Bakken TL, Kildahl AN, Ludvigsen LB, Bjørgen TG, Dalhaug C, Hellerud JMA, Hove O, Solheim-Inderberg AM, Karlsen K, Helverschou SB. Schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities: Symptom manifestations and identification. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023; 36:1076-1091. [PMID: 37264713 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities is challenging. This study aimed to explore the identification of schizophrenia in this population. METHODS Using data from a clinical multi-centre study, reported symptoms in 26 autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities diagnosed with co-occurring schizophrenia were explored. Scores on two checklists (Psychopathology in Autism Checklist [PAC], Aberrant Behaviour Checklist [ABC]) were compared with two comparison groups: autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental disorders (94), or no mental disorder (63). RESULTS Reported symptoms of schizophrenia in this population met the formal diagnostic criteria. For PAC/ABC scales, only PAC psychosis differed for the schizophrenia group. Among participants with schizophrenia, two were diagnosed with additional mental disorders. Elevated scores for anxiety and depression were common. CONCLUSIONS Emphasising core symptoms seems necessary when assessing co-occurring schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities. The PAC may serve as a helpful screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Lise Bakken
- Oslo University Hospital, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Tale Gjertine Bjørgen
- St. Olavs University Hospital, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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6
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Gupta N, Gupta M, Esang M. Lost in Translation: Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia. Cureus 2023; 15:e39488. [PMID: 37362509 PMCID: PMC10290525 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) is a heterogeneous condition that has a serious, insidious clinical course and poor long-term mental health outcomes. The clinical presentations are highly complex due to the overlapping symptomatology with other illnesses, which contributes to a delay in the diagnosis. The objective of the review is to study if an earlier age of onset (AAO) of EOS has poor clinical outcomes, the diagnostic challenges of EOS, and effective treatment strategies. The review provides a comprehensive literature search of 5966 articles and summarizes 126 selected for empirical evidence to methodically consider challenges in diagnosing and treating EOS for practicing clinicians. The risk factors of EOS are unique but have been shared with many other neuropsychiatric illnesses. Most of the risk factors, including genetics and obstetric complications, are nonmodifiable. The role of early diagnosis in reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) remains critical to reducing overall morbidity. Many specific issues contribute to the risk and clinical outcomes. Therefore, issues around diagnostic ambiguity, treatment resistance, nonadherence, and rehospitalizations further extend the DUP. There is hesitancy to initiate clozapine early, even though the empirical evidence strongly supports its use. There is a growing body of research that suggests the use of long-acting injectables to address nonadherence, and these measures are largely underutilized in acute settings. The clinical presentations of EOS are complex. In addition to the presence of specific risk factors, patients with an early onset of illness are also at a higher risk for treatment resistance. While there is a need to develop tools for early diagnosis, established evidence-based measures to address nonadherence, psychoeducation, and resistance must be incorporated into the treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihit Gupta
- Psychiatry, Dayton Children's Hospital, Dayton, USA
| | - Mayank Gupta
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Southwood Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Michael Esang
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Clarion Psychiatric Center, Clarion, USA
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7
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Mollon J, Almasy L, Jacquemont S, Glahn DC. The contribution of copy number variants to psychiatric symptoms and cognitive ability. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1480-1493. [PMID: 36737482 PMCID: PMC10213133 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) are deletions and duplications of DNA sequence. The most frequently studied CNVs, which are described in this review, are recurrent CNVs that occur in the same locations on the genome. These CNVs have been strongly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and developmental delay (DD), but also in schizophrenia. More recent work has also shown that CNVs increase risk for other psychiatric disorders, namely, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of the same CNVs are implicated across all of these disorders, and these neuropsychiatric CNVs are also associated with cognitive ability in the general population, as well as with structural and functional brain alterations. Neuropsychiatric CNVs also show incomplete penetrance, such that carriers do not always develop any psychiatric disorder, and may show only mild symptoms, if any. Variable expressivity, whereby the same CNVs are associated with many different phenotypes of varied severity, also points to highly complex mechanisms underlying disease risk in CNV carriers. Comprehensive and longitudinal phenotyping studies of individual CNVs have provided initial insights into these mechanisms. However, more work is needed to estimate and predict the effect of non-recurrent, ultra-rare CNVs, which also contribute to psychiatric and cognitive outcomes. Moreover, delineating the broader phenotypic landscape of neuropsychiatric CNVs in both clinical and general population cohorts may also offer important mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Mollon
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Laura Almasy
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn-CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sebastien Jacquemont
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT, USA
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8
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Fucà E, Guerrera S, Valeri G, Casula L, Novello RL, Menghini D, Vicari S. Psychiatric Comorbidities in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Study on Prevalence, Distribution and Clinical Features in an Italian Sample. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020677. [PMID: 36675606 PMCID: PMC9864301 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of psychiatric comorbidities in a group of 472 children and adolescents with ASD aged 3-18 years. We examined differences in age, sex, IQ, adaptive skills, and ASD symptom severity by comparing participants with ASD (ASD group) with participants with ASD and a psychiatric disorder (ASD/PSY group). Overall, 32.2% of participants had a comorbid psychiatric condition. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most frequent diagnosis among preschoolers (20.4%); among school-age children, ADHD and anxiety/obsessive-compulsive disorders were the most frequent conditions (21% and 10.6%, respectively); finally, adolescents exhibit higher prevalence of anxiety/obsessive-compulsive disorders (21.8%). The ASD/PSY group showed a higher percentage of males, they were older and showed lower adaptive skills than the group with ASD; moreover, their mothers exhibited higher stress levels than mothers of participants in the ASD group. The comparison between age groups in participants within ASD/PSY group revealed that preschoolers had lower IQ than school-age children and adolescents, and worse adaptive skills, more repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests than adolescents. This study highlights the importance of an accurate diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with ASD, also considering individual and family impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Guerrera
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lucia Novello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital (IRCCS), 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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9
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Tint A, Chung H, Lai MC, Balogh R, Lin E, Durbin A, Lunsky Y. Health conditions and service use of autistic women and men: A retrospective population-based case-control study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023:13623613221144353. [PMID: 36588296 PMCID: PMC10374994 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221144353] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study used administrative data from Ontario, Canada to compare the health conditions and service use of autistic women and men with adults with other developmental disabilities and with adults without developmental disabilities. Autistic women and men were more likely to have physical and mental health conditions compared to adults without developmental disabilities. Rates of health conditions were similar or lower among autistic adults compared to adults with other developmental disabilities, except more autistic adults had psychiatric conditions. Autistic women and men used higher rates of psychiatric services compared to all other groups. When comparing autistic women with same aged autistic men, sex differences were found for specific physical (Crohn's disease/colitis, rheumatoid arthritis) and psychiatric conditions (psychotic disorders, non-psychotic disorders), as well differences in service use (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, family doctor and neurologist visits). These results further highlight the high health needs and service use of autistic women and men, as well as adults with other developmental disabilities. It is critical for future research to focus on mental health support for autistic adults and to better understand how to tailor supports to best serve autistic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Tint
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
| | | | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada.,The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada.,University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.,National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | | | - Elizabeth Lin
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Durbin
- ICES, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada.,Unity Health, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada.,ICES, Canada.,University of Toronto, Canada
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10
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Psychosis in adults with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at acute psychiatric wards. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpsy.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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Hsu TW, Chu CS, Tsai SJ, Hsu JW, Huang KL, Cheng CM, Su TP, Chen TJ, Bai YM, Liang CS, Chen MH. Diagnostic progression to schizophrenia: A nationwide cohort study of 11 170 adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:644-651. [PMID: 36057134 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Previous studies have suggested an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to investigate the diagnosis stability and the potential predictors for progression to schizophrenia in ASD. METHODS We recruited 11 170 adolescents (10-19 years) and young adults (20-29 years) with ASD between 2001 and 2010. They were followed up to the end of 2011 to identify newly diagnosed schizophrenia. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression with age as a time scale were employed to estimate incidence rates and the significance of candidate predictors. RESULTS The progression rate from ASD to schizophrenia was 10.26% for 10 years of follow-up. Among 860 progressors, 580 (67.44%) occurred within the first 3 years after a diagnosis of ASD. The identified predictors were age (reported as hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval: 1.13; 1.11-1.15), depressive disorder (1.36; 1.09-1.69), alcohol use disorder (3.05; 2.14-4.35), substance use disorder (1.91; 1.18-3.09), cluster A personality disorder (2.95; 1.79-4.84), cluster B personality disorder (1.86; 1.05-3.28), and a family history of schizophrenia (2.12; 1.65-2.74). CONCLUSION More than two-thirds of the progressors developed schizophrenia within the first 3 years. Demographic characteristics, physical and psychiatric comorbidities, and psychiatric family history were significant predictors of progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Sheng Chu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lin Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ming Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, General Cheng Hsin Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sung Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beitou Branch, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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Huda A, Petch J. Too soon to discard Kraepelin: improving diagnosis by appropriate use of neo-Kraepelinian and unitary psychosis models. BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1192/bja.2022.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
There is a debate in psychiatry regarding whether it is better to use neo-Kraepelinian diagnostic categories or unitary models of psychosis in clinical practice. This article argues that clinicians should use either model as appropriate for the case in question, along with the conceptual framework used in the clinical management of psychosis without a clear biological cause. It first explores the values involved in the development of psychiatric classification systems, the purpose of classification and how we reached the current DSM/ICD and unitary models of psychosis. It then describes a diagnostic approach in which the choice of model should depend on the case in question, and offers a diagnostic protocol to guide the decision.
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Diagnostic progression to schizophrenia in 35,255 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a longitudinal follow-up study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 273:541-551. [PMID: 35332401 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01361-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests a continuity between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia. However, the factors that may predict diagnostic progression from OCD to schizophrenia remain unclear. A total of 35,255 adolescents and adults with OCD (ICD-9-CM code: 300.3) were enrolled between 2001 and 2010 and followed up at the end of 2011 for the identification of de novo schizophrenia (ICD-9-CM code: 295). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate incidence rates, and the Cox regression was used to determine the significance of candidate predictors. At the end of the 11-year follow-up period, the crude cumulative progression rate from OCD to schizophrenia was 6%, and the estimated progression rate totaled 7.80%. Male sex (hazard ratio: 1.23), obesity (1.77), autism spectrum disorder (1.69), bipolar disorder (1.69), posttraumatic stress disorder (1.65), cluster A personality disorder (2.50), and a family history of schizophrenia (2.57) also were related to an elevated likelihood of subsequent progression to schizophrenia in patients with OCD. Further study is necessary to elucidate the exact pathomechanisms underlying diagnostic progression to schizophrenia in patients with OCD.
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14
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Mamah D, Mutiso V, Gitonga I, Tele A, Ndetei DM. A population-based survey of autistic traits in Kenyan adolescents and young adults. S Afr J Psychiatr 2022; 28:1694. [PMID: 35281966 PMCID: PMC8905436 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v28i0.1694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there have been no large-scale population studies of autistic traits (AUT) conducted in Africa. Aim The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in a large sample of Kenyan adolescents and young adults. Setting Tertiary academic institutions (87%) and directly from the community (13%). Methods Our study surveyed 8918 youths (aged 15–25 years) using the autism spectrum quotient (AQ). Based on AQ scores, we derived groups with low (L-AUT), borderline (B-AUT), and high (H-AUT) autistic traits. Relationships of AUT with demographic factors, psychosis, affectivity and stress were investigated. Results Internal consistency of the AQ in the population was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). Across all participants, 0.63% were estimated as having H-AUT, while 14.9% had B-AUT. Amongst community youth, prevalence of H-AUT was 0.98%. Compared to those with low and borderline traits, H-AUT participants were more likely to be males, to have lower personal and parental educational attainment, and to be of a lower socioeconomic status. The H-AUT group also had higher psychotic and affective symptoms as well as higher psychosocial stress than other groups. Conclusion The prevalence of H-AUT amongst Kenyan youth is comparable to Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rates in many countries. Autistic traits in Kenya are associated with worse social and clinical profiles. Further research on autism across Africa is needed to investigate cross-cultural heterogeneity of this disorder, and to guide healthcare policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mamah
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, United States of America
| | | | | | - Albert Tele
- Africa Mental Health Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
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15
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Varcin KJ, Herniman SE, Lin A, Chen Y, Perry Y, Pugh C, Chisolm K, Whitehouse AJ, Wood SJ. Occurrence of psychosis and bipolar disorder in adults with autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104543. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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16
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May T, Pilkington PD, Younan R, Williams K. Overlap of autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Autism Res 2021; 14:2688-2710. [PMID: 34608760 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality Disorder (BPD) share features, including social and emotion regulation difficulties. The evidence for the overlap in prevalence and clinical characteristics was systematically reviewed. Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, and PubMed were searched until November 30, 2020 using keywords relating to BPD and ASD. Studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort, or case-controlled design were included. Of 1633 screened studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for meta-analysis. Most samples were of small, clinically ascertained groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%-9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%-8%]. There were inconsistent findings across clinical areas. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was within population prevalence estimates of each disorder. Based on this data we were not able to assess whether there is misdiagnosis of one in favor of the other. Neurocognitive differences may underlie similar behavioral symptoms, but further research using larger, well-validated samples is needed. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have overlaps in their symptoms. The overlap in how frequently they co-occur and their presentation was systematically reviewed. We searched the key databases and including all studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort or case-controlled design. Of 1633 studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for pooling. Most samples were of small, clinical groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%-9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%-8%]. There were inconsistent findings across studies comparing ASD and BPD related symptoms and problems. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was similar to the population prevalence of each disorder. Further research using larger, well-validated samples is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara May
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pamela D Pilkington
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rita Younan
- Schema Therapy Institute of Australia, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Childrens Research Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Bakken TL. Behavioural equivalents of schizophrenia in people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. A selective review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 67:310-317. [PMID: 34567543 PMCID: PMC8451634 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1925402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of schizophrenia (SCZ) in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complicated due to confounding symptoms between ASD and SCZ. These confounding factors are aggravated when the patient has sparse verbal skills. A selective review was conducted to identify behavioural equivalents when assessing SCZ in individuals with ASD with sparse verbal skills, from 16 years of age. Only clinical papers were reviewed. Eight relevant articles were analysed for the use of behavioural equivalents in clinical settings. The results showed that especially disorganized speech and behaviour and negative symptoms can be observed in patients with SCZ and ASD who speak sparsely. It is not possible to observe delusions, but they may be reported by the patients when treated adequately for some time, usually months. Hallucinations cannot be observed directly, but 'hallucinatory behaviour' may be interpreted as hallucinations when observed concurrently with other SCZ symptoms. Additionally, age of onset and marked impaired global functioning compared to habitual functioning may constitute a diagnosis of SCZ in ASD. ASD is considered a lifelong condition and may be identified within the first 3-4 years, while SCZ onset is usually in adolescence or early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Lise Bakken
- National Advisory on Mental Health in Intellectual Disability, Oslo University, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Mamah D, Mutiso VN, Ndetei DM. Psychotic-like experiences among 9,564 Kenyan adolescents and young adults. Psychiatry Res 2021; 302:113994. [PMID: 34029986 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of psychotic-like experiences (PLE) in a large cohort of Kenyan adolescents and young adults. METHOD The Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) Screen was used to the study the 12-month prevalence of PLE's among 9,564 Kenyan youths (aged 15-25 yrs), and the rates of psychosis high-risk (HR) and medium-risk (MR) cases, based on cut-off scores. Relationships with clinical, demographic and economic profiles were investigated. RESULTS Across all participants, 72% reported having had at least one PLE over the last year. 4.6% and 30.6% were HR and MR based on symptom scores. There were similar PLE rates in females and males. PLE severity correlated with mood (r=0.67), stress (r=0.46), and autistic traits (r=0.18). PLE severity was also related to poverty, lower education attainment, and underemployment. Compared to controls, HR and MR youths were more likely to report lifetime substance use and to have more significant use. CONCLUSION Psychosis screening can provide valuable information about individuals and may help identify those who may require clinical assessment and intervention to improve outcomes. This is particularly relevant in many parts of Africa where the resources are limited for treating more advanced illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mamah
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University Medical School, 660 S. Euclid, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA.
| | - Victoria N Mutiso
- Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David M Ndetei
- Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, Kenya
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19
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Carthy E, Ellender T. Histamine, Neuroinflammation and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680214. [PMID: 34335160 PMCID: PMC8317266 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogenic amine, histamine, has been shown to critically modulate inflammatory processes as well as the properties of neurons and synapses in the brain, and is also implicated in the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, a reduction in the synthesis of this neuromodulator has been associated with the disorders Tourette's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with evidence that this may be through the disruption of the corticostriatal circuitry during development. Furthermore, neuroinflammation has been associated with alterations in brain development, e.g., impacting synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis, and there are suggestions that histamine deficiency may leave the developing brain more vulnerable to proinflammatory insults. While most studies have focused on neuronal sources of histamine it remains unclear to what extent other (non-neuronal) sources of histamine, e.g., from mast cells and other sources, can impact brain development. The few studies that have started exploring this in vitro, and more limited in vivo, would indicate that non-neuronal released histamine and other preformed mediators can influence microglial-mediated neuroinflammation which can impact brain development. In this Review we will summarize the state of the field with regard to non-neuronal sources of histamine and its impact on both neuroinflammation and brain development in key neural circuits that underpin neurodevelopmental disorders. We will also discuss whether histamine receptor modulators have been efficacious in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders in both preclinical and clinical studies. This could represent an important area of future research as early modulation of histamine from neuronal as well as non-neuronal sources may provide novel therapeutic targets in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Carthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tommas Ellender
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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20
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D'Alò GL, De Crescenzo F, Amato L, Cruciani F, Davoli M, Fulceri F, Minozzi S, Mitrova Z, Morgano GP, Nardocci F, Saulle R, Schünemann HJ, Scattoni ML. Impact of antipsychotics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021; 19:33. [PMID: 33494757 PMCID: PMC7831175 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01669-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The net health benefit of using antipsychotics in children and adolescents with ASD is unclear. This review was performed to provide the evidence necessary to inform the Italian national guidelines for the management of ASD. Methods We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antipsychotics versus placebo for the treatment of ASD in children and adolescents. For efficacy, acceptability and safety we considered outcomes evaluated by the guideline panel critical and important for decision-making. Continuous outcomes were analyzed by using standardized mean difference (SMD), and dichotomous outcomes by calculating the risk ratio (RR), with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Data were analyzed using a random effects model. We used the Cochrane tool to assess risk of bias of included studies. Certainty in the evidence of effects was assessed according to the GRADE approach. Results We included 21 RCTs with 1,309 participants, comparing antipsychotics to placebo. Antipsychotics were found effective on “restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors” (SMD − 0.21, 95% CI − 0.35 to − 0.07, moderate certainty), “hyperactivity, inattention, oppositional, disruptive behavior” (SMD − 0.67, 95% CI − 0.92 to − 0.42, moderate certainty), “social communication, social interaction” (SMD − 0.38, 95% CI − 0.59 to − 0.16, moderate certainty), “emotional dysregulation/irritability” (SMD − 0.71, 95% CI − 0.98 to − 0.43, low certainty), “global functioning, global improvement” (SMD − 0.64, 95% CI − 0.96 to − 0.33, low certainty), “obsessions, compulsions” (SMD − 0.30, 95% CI − 0.55 to − 0.06, moderate certainty). Antipsychotics were not effective on “self-harm” (SMD − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.58 to 0.30, very low certainty), “anxiety” (SMD − 0.38, 95% CI − 0.82 to 0.07, very low certainty). Antipsychotics were more acceptable in terms of dropout due to any cause (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.78, moderate certainty), but were less safe in terms of patients experiencing adverse events (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32, moderate certainty), and serious adverse events (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.48 to 2.43, low certainty). Conclusions Our systematic review and meta-analysis found antipsychotics for children and adolescents with ASD more efficacious than placebo in reducing stereotypies, hyperactivity, irritability and obsessions, compulsions, and in increasing social communication and global functioning. Antipsychotics were also found to be more acceptable, but less safe than placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Loreto D'Alò
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy.
| | - Franco De Crescenzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Pediatric University Hospital-Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Amato
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Cruciani
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Zuzana Mitrova
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Morgano
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Nardocci
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy
| | - Holger Jens Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics), McMaster GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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21
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Ivanović I. Psychiatric Comorbidities in Children With ASD: Autism Centre Experience. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:673169. [PMID: 34177661 PMCID: PMC8219916 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.673169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with social communication deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. In this lifelong condition the core features that cause impairment may also be expanded by behavioural and emotional problems. Individuals with ASD are likely to experience a higher prevalence of common mental disorders compared to the typically developed individuals. This high epidemiological burden of various psychiatric disorders among ASD population encourages further research and improvement in diagnostic practise in ASD and comorbid disorders. In this brief research report of a cross-sectional study, I aimed to estimate the psychiatric comorbidity prevalence and describe their general characteristics in children with ASD in the Autism Centre in Montenegro. The study population consisted of 152 patients who were diagnosed with ASD, 117 male and 35 female, and the mean age (SD) was 8.02 (4.26). In this brief research report prevalence of children with ASD with at least one psychiatric comorbidity was 36.84%. Only one psychiatric comorbidity disorder was reported in 17.16%, two in 9.87%, three in 8.55%, and in 0.66% patients four other psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders present in this population sample were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (17.76%), conduct disorder (13.10%), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (9.87%), anxiety disorder and insomnia (7.89%), elimination disorder (3.29%), and depression (1.97%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Ivanović
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
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22
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Shankar R, Perera B, Thomas RH. Epilepsy, an orphan disorder within the neurodevelopmental family. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:1245-1247. [PMID: 32928935 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-324660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Shankar
- Intellectual Disability Neuropsychiatry, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK .,Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, UK
| | - Bhathika Perera
- Learning Disability Services, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rhys H Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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23
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D’Alò GL, De Crescenzo F, Amato L, Cruciani F, Davoli M, Fulceri F, Minozzi S, Mitrova Z, Morgano GP, Nardocci F, Saulle R, Schünemann HJ, Scattoni ML. Acceptability, equity, and feasibility of using antipsychotics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:561. [PMID: 33238921 PMCID: PMC7687819 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether the administration of antipsychotics to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is acceptable, equitable, and feasible. METHODS We performed a systematic review to support a multidisciplinary panel in formulating a recommendation on antipsychotics, for the development of the Italian national guidelines for the management of ASD. A comprehensive search strategy was performed to find data related to intervention acceptability, health equity, and implementation feasibility. We used quantitative data from randomized controlled trials to perform a meta-analysis assessing the acceptability and tolerability of antipsychotics, and we estimated the certainty of the effect according to the GRADE approach. We extracted data from systematic reviews, primary studies, and grey literature, and we assessed the risk of bias and methodological quality of the published studies. RESULTS Antipsychotics were acceptable (dropouts due to any cause: RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48-0.78, moderate certainty of evidence) and well tolerated (dropouts due to adverse events: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.55-1.79, low certainty of evidence) by children and adolescents with ASD. Parents and clinicians did not raise significant issues concerning acceptability. We did not find studies reporting evidence of reduced equity for antipsychotics in disadvantaged subgroups of children and adolescents with ASD. Workloads, cost barriers, and inadequate monitoring of metabolic adverse events were indirect evidence of concerns for feasibility. CONCLUSION Antipsychotics in children and adolescents with ASD were likely acceptable and possibly feasible. We did not find evidence of concern for equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Loreto D’Alò
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco De Crescenzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Pediatric University Hospital-Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Amato
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Cruciani
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Zuzana Mitrova
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Morgano
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics), McMaster GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Franco Nardocci
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Holger Jens Schünemann
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics), McMaster GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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24
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Samaey C, Van der Donck S, van Winkel R, Boets B. Facial Expression Processing Across the Autism-Psychosis Spectra: A Review of Neural Findings and Associations With Adverse Childhood Events. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:592937. [PMID: 33281648 PMCID: PMC7691238 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.592937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and primary psychosis are classified as distinct neurodevelopmental disorders, yet they display overlapping epidemiological, environmental, and genetic components as well as endophenotypic similarities. For instance, both disorders are characterized by impairments in facial expression processing, a crucial skill for effective social communication, and both disorders display an increased prevalence of adverse childhood events (ACE). This narrative review provides a brief summary of findings from neuroimaging studies investigating facial expression processing in ASD and primary psychosis with a focus on the commonalities and differences between these disorders. Individuals with ASD and primary psychosis activate the same brain regions as healthy controls during facial expression processing, albeit to a different extent. Overall, both groups display altered activation in the fusiform gyrus and amygdala as well as altered connectivity among the broader face processing network, probably indicating reduced facial expression processing abilities. Furthermore, delayed or reduced N170 responses have been reported in ASD and primary psychosis, but the significance of these findings is questioned, and alternative frequency-tagging electroencephalography (EEG) measures are currently explored to capture facial expression processing impairments more selectively. Face perception is an innate process, but it is also guided by visual learning and social experiences. Extreme environmental factors, such as adverse childhood events, can disrupt normative development and alter facial expression processing. ACE are hypothesized to induce altered neural facial expression processing, in particular a hyperactive amygdala response toward negative expressions. Future studies should account for the comorbidity among ASD, primary psychosis, and ACE when assessing facial expression processing in these clinical groups, as it may explain some of the inconsistencies and confound reported in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Samaey
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Van der Donck
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center (UPC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Developmental Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Fusar-Poli L, Ciancio A, Gabbiadini A, Meo V, Patania F, Rodolico A, Saitta G, Vozza L, Petralia A, Signorelli MS, Aguglia E. Self-Reported Autistic Traits Using the AQ: A Comparison between Individuals with ASD, Psychosis, and Non-Clinical Controls. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E291. [PMID: 32422885 PMCID: PMC7288044 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The term "autism" was originally coined by Eugen Bleuler to describe one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. Even if autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are now considered two distinct conditions, they share some clinical features. The present study aimed to investigate self-reported autistic traits in individuals with ASD, SSD, and non-clinical controls (NCC), using the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a 50-item questionnaire. The study was conducted in the Psychiatry Unit of Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Catania, Italy. The AQ was administered to 35 adults with ASD, 64 with SSD, and 198 NCC. Overall, our data showed that the ASD sample scored significantly higher than NCC. However, no significant differences were detected between individuals with ASD and SSD. Notably, the three groups scored similarly in the subscale "attention to detail". AQ showed good accuracy in differentiating ASD from NCC (AUC = 0.84), while discriminant ability was poor in the clinical sample (AUC = 0.63). Finally, AQ did not correlate with clinician-rated ADOS-2 scores in the ASD sample. Our study confirms that symptoms are partially overlapping in adults with ASD and psychosis. Moreover, they raise concerns regarding the usefulness of AQ as a screening tool in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.F.-P.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (V.M.); (F.P.); (A.R.); (G.S.); (L.V.); (A.P.); (M.S.S.)
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Hossain MM, Khan N, Sultana A, Ma P, McKyer ELJ, Ahmed HU, Purohit N. Prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among people with autism spectrum disorder: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Psychiatry Res 2020; 287:112922. [PMID: 32203749 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
With ever-increasing prevalence of various mental disorders worldwide, a comprehensive evaluation of the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is needed to strengthen the knowledge base. This umbrella review aims to summarize the current evidence on the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among people with ASD. A systematic search of 12 major databases and additional sources was conducted. Any systematically conducted narrative, qualitative, or meta-analytic review reporting the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among people with ASD with no age or geographical restriction were included. From a total of 2755 records, 26 articles representing 14 systematic reviews and 12 meta-analyses met the criteria of this review. The synthesized findings reveal a high burden of comorbid psychiatric disorders among people with ASD, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar and mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum, suicidal behavior disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders amongst diverse age groups, with a majority in younger participants. Most studies were conducted in developed nations, with limited evidence from low and middle-income countries. These synthesized findings provide high-quality evidence for clinical and policy-level decision-making from a global overview of the status of comorbid psychiatric disorders among people with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbub Hossain
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Nusrat Khan
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ping Ma
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, TX 77843, USA
| | - E Lisako J McKyer
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, TX 77843, USA
| | - Helal Uddin Ahmed
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, 1207 Bangladesh
| | - Neetu Purohit
- The IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302029, India
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D’Alò GL, De Crescenzo F, Minozzi S, Morgano GP, Mitrova Z, Scattoni ML, Amato L, Davoli M, Schünemann HJ. Equity, acceptability and feasibility of using polyunsaturated fatty acids in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a rapid systematic review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:101. [PMID: 32299432 PMCID: PMC7164335 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Some recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the efficacy and safety of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To optimally inform the Italian guideline for the management of ASD in children and adolescents, we reviewed the impact on equity, acceptability and feasibility for developing a pilot recommendation for PUFAs. METHODS We performed a rapid systematic review of observational and experimental studies on PUFAs for children and adolescents with ASD, extracting data on resources required, equity, acceptability, and feasibility of PUFAs. We followed the framework provided by the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) methodology, and we assessed risk of bias and methodological quality of included studies. Results were synthesized both narratively and quantitatively to address clinically relevant questions on equity, acceptability, and feasibility. RESULTS We found 14 papers related to equity. PUFAs did not seem to impact equity importantly. We did not find variation in effectiveness across subgroups and in a base case scenario, the cost of a 12 weeks cycle of therapy with 1.155 g/day of PUFAs was €65.51 euro. The acceptability of PUFAs was evaluated in 17 studies, 9 of which were RCTs. PUFAs were widely used among children and adolescents with ASD (18 to 51%), and 50% of parents considered nutritional supplementation as useful. Difficulty in swallowing capsules and bad taste were identified as possible causes of poor compliance, but treatment adherence, when measured in included RCTs, was judged to be good to excellent. Discontinuation due to any cause for PUFAs could not differ from placebo (low certainty of evidence). The feasibility of using PUFAs was assessed in 12 studies. PUFAs were probably sustainable, and no particular critical issue emerged from the feasibility assessment. However, the evidence appeared scarce and indirect. CONCLUSIONS We found the administration of PUFAs in children and adolescents with ASD to be potentially equitable, acceptable and feasible. These results are limited by the limited number and quality of retrieved documents, and need to be viewed in light of efficacy and safety data to formulate clinical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Loreto D’Alò
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
- School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco De Crescenzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pediatric University Hospital-Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Morgano
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster GRADE Centre, Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Zuzana Mitrova
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Amato
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Holger J. Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster GRADE Centre, Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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28
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De Crescenzo F, D’Alò GL, Morgano GP, Minozzi S, Mitrova Z, Saulle R, Cruciani F, Fulceri F, Davoli M, Scattoni ML, Nardocci F, Schünemann HJ, Amato L. Impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids on patient-important outcomes in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2020; 18:28. [PMID: 32066439 PMCID: PMC7026962 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-020-01284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) claimed PUFAs to be effective for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but international guidelines have not considered yet this body of evidence. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of PUFAs in children and adolescents with ASD, for the Italian national guidelines on the management of ASD in children and adolescents. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing PUFAs versus placebo or a healthy diet for the treatment of ASD in children and adolescents. The outcomes considered were deemed by the guideline panel to be highly relevant to children and adolescents with ASD and to their caregivers. The outcomes included hyperactivity, quality of sleep, self-harm, aggression, irritability, anxiety, attention, adaptive functioning, social interaction, restricted and repetitive interests and behavior, communication, hyperactivity and disruptive behaviors coexistent with core symptoms. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane tool, and the rating of the confidence in the effect estimates according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS We included 9 studies with 405 participants. The strength of evidence ranged from low to very low. Six studies included preschoolers and school-age children, three studies included both children and adolescents. The majority of participants were males (83.8%), with a mean age of 6.7 years. PUFAs were superior compared to placebo in reducing anxiety in individuals with ASD (SMD -1.01, 95% CI - 1.86 to - 0.17; very low certainty of evidence). Moreover, PUFAs worsened quality of sleep compared to a healthy diet (SMD 1.11, 95% CI 0.21 to 2.00; very low certainty of evidence). PUFAs were not better than placebo in reducing aggression, hyperactivity, adaptive functioning, irritability, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors and communication. Effects on some critical outcomes such as sleep, self-harm and disruptive behavior are currently unknown. The main limitations were the small number of participants included in the RCTs and the dosage which varied greatly (from 200 mg/day to 1540 mg/day), making it difficult to address causal inference. CONCLUSIONS PUFAs did not show evidence of effect in children and adolescents with ASD and the certainty of evidence as measured with the GRADE was low to very low. Further research is needed on this topic because the available evidence is inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco De Crescenzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Pediatric University Hospital-Department (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Loreto D’Alò
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
- School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Morgano
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics), McMaster GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Zuzana Mitrova
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Saulle
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Cruciani
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fulceri
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Nardocci
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Holger Jens Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (formerly Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics), McMaster GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Michael G DeGroote Cochrane Canada Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Laura Amato
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 112, 00154 Rome, Italy
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