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CNS Spectrums Jun 2022In the last decades, increasing attention has been provided to socio-cultural and neurobiological factors involved in the psychopathology of feeding and eating disorders... (Review)
Review
In the last decades, increasing attention has been provided to socio-cultural and neurobiological factors involved in the psychopathology of feeding and eating disorders (FED), encouraging a multifactorial approach. In this framework, several authors stressed an association between FED and other kinds of psychiatric disorders from both a psychopathological and a neurobiological point of view. In particular, many promising contributions are focusing on the possible link between FED and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Growing interest about this association rose from the frequently reported evidence of ASD-like traits amongst FED patients and abnormal eating behaviors amongst patients with ASD. This narrative review overview aims to summarize the most relevant findings about the overlap between different kinds of FED and the autism spectrum, taking into account the most recent hypotheses about the psychopathology of both these conditions. While most of the studies focused on anorexia nervosa, both ASD and autistic traits seem to be detectable also in other kinds of FED. In addition, the recently increased interest toward a dimensional approach to psychopathology led to progressively broadening the concept of ASD, focusing on its subthreshold and gender-specific manifestations and on its link with other psychiatric conditions, including FED. Globally the studies summarized here provide further support to theoretical models featuring a neurodevelopmental approach for mental disorders. In particular, FED have been conceptualized as a possible psychopathological trajectory of a neurodevelopmental alteration, toward which female gender would act as one of many predisposing factors.
Topics: Anorexia Nervosa; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Phenotype
PubMed: 33161925
DOI: 10.1017/S1092852920002011 -
Asian Journal of Psychiatry Feb 2020The overall improvement in quality of health care in many countries across the globe will likely see an increase in the number of elderly patients with ASDs (Autism... (Review)
Review
The overall improvement in quality of health care in many countries across the globe will likely see an increase in the number of elderly patients with ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders) and will result in a need for extra and more adaptive educational, occupational, social, and environmental supports. An earlier diagnosis will auger well for better long-term outcomes in ASD. Therefore, better and more evidence based screening and diagnostic tools are needed. The lack of research and studies surrounding ASD in the elderly raises many real concerns about the wellbeing of those diagnosed with ASD as adults as they enter old age. This review will help provide information on prevalence, available screening tools and diagnostic instruments along with symptoms and manifestations, patients' quality of life related issues and current interventions. We will also highlight research needs and help create a clearer understanding of ASD and the challenges patients and professionals face and are confronted with.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Humans; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32004801
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.101897 -
Pediatric Clinics of North America Apr 2024The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings a lifetime of considerations for individuals and their families. The core symptoms of ASD vary in severity and... (Review)
Review
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) brings a lifetime of considerations for individuals and their families. The core symptoms of ASD vary in severity and influence behavior and function across all environments. Co-occurring medical, mental health, cognitive, language, learning, and behavioral differences add challenges to those associated with core symptoms. Navigating the preschool, school, and transition ages in the educational setting requires continual reassessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and needs of the student to provide appropriate placement and services.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Schools; Educational Status; Students; Mental Health
PubMed: 38423717
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.008 -
Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and... 2024Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) is one of the most common comorbid disorders of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can accompany autism, triggered by... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) is one of the most common comorbid disorders of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can accompany autism, triggered by it, or be a consequence of it.
OBJECTIVE
This review explored the prevalence of the comorbidity of both disorders, neurobiological background, symptoms, latest assessment methods, and therapeutic approaches. It concluded that effective assessment, diagnosis and management of ADHD in ASD children and adults is essential for this group of patients to thrive and live a good quality of life. Further research is recommended to explore the most effective intervention for such important members of our society.
CONCLUSION
More studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these comorbidities, and to prevent the misdiagnosis and mismanagement of these disorders. Also, to develop up to date personalized therapeutic plans for such children.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Quality of Life; Comorbidity; Prevalence
PubMed: 38566879
DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2024.78.159-163 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Sep 2023
Topics: Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder
PubMed: 37817726
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.8207 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Mar 2021Potential overlaps exist between psychopathological features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The impact of malnutrition on autistic traits...
BACKGROUND
Potential overlaps exist between psychopathological features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The impact of malnutrition on autistic traits in patients with AN should be considered. This study investigates possible associations among the psychopathology of Eating Disorders (EDs), ASD traits and BMI in a group of young patients with AN, using the EDI-3 (Eating Disorder Inventory-3) test and gold-standard measures for ASD.
METHODS
Prospective study involving 23 inpatients admitted to an Italian Centre for paediatric ED. ASD traits and ED psychopathology were assessed administering the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2), AQ (Autism Quotient) and EDI-3 tests. Both present and past autistic traits were investigated using different versions of AQ. Correlations were adjusted for BMI, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comorbidity and concurrent antipsychotic treatments.
RESULTS
An ASD diagnosis was possible in 22% of patients. Significant correlations were documented between ASD traits and ED psychopathology: AQ total-Interpersonal problems (IPC) (p = 0.041); AQ total-Global psychological maladjustment (GMPC) (p = 0.027); AQ social skills-Ineffectiveness (IC) (p = 0.018); AQ social skills-IPC (p = 0.019); AQ social skills-Affective problems (APC) (p = 0.025); AQ social skills-GMPC (p = 0.007); AQ attention switching-IPC (p = 0.020); ADOS-2 imagination-IC (p = 0.035). These correlations were independent of BMI, OCD and antipsychotic treatments.
CONCLUSIONS
ASD traits presented high prevalence in a group of young inpatients with AN. These traits were significantly correlated to 4 specific EDI-3 subscales and independent of BMI. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between ASD traits as measured with gold-standard measures, EDI-3 scores, and BMI.
Topics: Adolescent; Anorexia Nervosa; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Female; Humans; Italy; Male; Prospective Studies; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 33750445
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01006-7 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2022The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not easy as there is no direct test that exists to establish such a diagnosis. Increasing community and healthcare...
AIMS
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not easy as there is no direct test that exists to establish such a diagnosis. Increasing community and healthcare professional knowledge of the ASD spectrum is crucial because it will encourage parents of ASD children to seek screening and diagnosis from a specialist, allowing for better early detection and treatment. This study explored the knowledge of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding ASD and assessed variables associated with an accurate understanding of ASD.
METHODS
A total of 769 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Saudi Arabia between November 2021 and February 2022 using an online survey tool to explore the knowledge of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding typical child development and ASD. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting participants' knowledge of autism.
RESULTS
Overall, the study participants showed a weak level of knowledge about autism with a mean score of 5.9 (SD: 3.1), comprising 34.7% of the total maximum obtainable score. Participants with a middle income category of 5000-7500 SR are less likely to be knowledgeable about autism compared to others (OR: 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92)) (-value = 0.020).
CONCLUSION
The participants in our study showed limited knowledge about autism. Government funds should be made available to facilitate educational services for ASD children. More funding and resources should be allocated by the government to provide assistance for children with special needs, and changes in public facilities are required to meet the demands of ASD patients. Through an informed educational effort, various media platforms should assist in improving the community's understanding of ASD and their attitude toward ASD patients. Educational campaigns should focus on enhancing the public's knowledge about ASD treatment and etiology.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Saudi Arabia
PubMed: 35329335
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063648 -
Seminars in Pediatric Neurology Oct 2020Several lines of evidence from family history studies, immunogenetics, maternal immune activation, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammation support an immune subtype... (Review)
Review
Several lines of evidence from family history studies, immunogenetics, maternal immune activation, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammation support an immune subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for ASD do not address the underlying pathophysiology of ASD, have not consistently been shown to address the core symptoms of ASD, and are currently only approved for treating irritability in children and adolescents. In this article, we review the immune modulatory effects of the 2 currently Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for ASD. We then provide an overview of current data on emerging treatments for ASD from multiple fields of medicine with immune modulatory effects. Although further research is needed to more clearly establish the efficacy and safety of immune modulatory treatments, early data on repurposing medications used to treat systemic inflammation for ASD demonstrate potential benefit and further research is warranted.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 32892957
DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100836 -
Biological Psychiatry Jun 2022Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and repetitive symptoms. A key feature of ASD is early-life manifestations of... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and repetitive symptoms. A key feature of ASD is early-life manifestations of symptoms, indicative of early pathophysiological mechanisms. In mouse models of ASD, increasing evidence indicates that there are early pathophysiological mechanisms that can be corrected early to prevent phenotypic defects in adults, overcoming the disadvantage of the short-lasting effects that characterize adult-initiated treatments. In addition, the results from gene restorations indicate that ASD-related phenotypes can be rescued in some cases even after the brain has fully matured. These results suggest that we need to consider both temporal and mechanistic aspects in studies of ASD models and carefully compare genetic and nongenetic corrections. Here, we summarize the early and late corrections in mouse models of ASD by genetic and pharmacological interventions and discuss how to better integrate these results to ensure efficient and long-lasting corrections for eventual clinical translation.
Topics: Animals; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Brain; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Phenotype
PubMed: 34556257
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.021 -
International Review of Psychiatry... 2021Autism is a grand challenge in global mental health to be dealt with on a priority basis. Phenotypic knowledge, biological understanding, and evidence-based intervention... (Review)
Review
Autism is a grand challenge in global mental health to be dealt with on a priority basis. Phenotypic knowledge, biological understanding, and evidence-based intervention studies are all from western countries. We know very little about autism in the low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Lack of infrastructure and difficulties in operationalizing research has widened the knowledge gap. We performed a comprehensive scoping review of research in Autism Spectrum Disorder in India to have an overall impression, identify gaps, and formulate evidence-based recommendations for further study. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant Indian studies. A hundred and fifty-nine publications met the inclusion criteria. Most of the research contribution in autism is from few tertiary care medical centres, technological institutes, and not-for-profit organizations. We identified various themes of research like clinical profile, interventions, biomarkers, psychological, social, epidemiological, and risk factors. Evidence-based intervention studies, translation and adaptation of standard diagnostic instruments, and qualitative research on the experience of autism appeared to be state of the art. However, epidemiological studies, biomarkers identification, risk assessment studies were of low quality. There is a need for nationwide studies with representative sampling on epidemiology, biomarkers, and risk factors for a complete evaluation of the actual burden and biology of autism in India. Also, there is a need to design implementation research to evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions in routine healthcare settings. We recommend that future research should fill these gaps in understanding autism and improving its outcome in India.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Humans; India; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 32602754
DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2020.1761136