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Radhoe TA, van Rentergem JAA, Torenvliet C, Groenman AP, van der Putten WJ, Geurts HM. Comparison of network structures between autistic and non-autistic adults, and autism subgroups: A focus on demographic, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Autism 2024; 28:1175-1189. [PMID: 37776020 PMCID: PMC11067416 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231198544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT There are large differences in the level of demographic, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics between autistic and non-autistic adults but also among autistic people. Our goal was to test whether these differences correspond to differences in underlying relationships between these characteristics-also referred to as network structure-to determine which characteristics (and relationships between them) are important. We tested differences in network structure in (1) autistic and non-autistic adults and (2) two previously identified subgroups of autistic adults. We showed that comparing networks of autistic and non-autistic adults provides subtle differences, whereas networks of the autism subgroups were similar. There were also no sex differences in the networks of the autism subgroups. Thus, the previously observed differences in the level of characteristics did not correspond to differences across subgroups in how these characteristics relate to one another (i.e. network structure). Consequently, a focus on differences in characteristics is not sufficient to determine which characteristics (and relationships between them) are of importance. Hence, network analysis provides a valuable tool beyond looking at (sub)group level differences. These results could provide hints for clinical practice, to eventually determine whether psychological distress, cognitive failures, and reduced quality of life in autistic adults can be addressed by tailored support. However, it is important that these results are first replicated before we move toward intervention or support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Wikke J van der Putten
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Groep), The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassia Groep), The Netherlands
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2
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Chen YH, Lin S, Jin SY, Gao TM. Extracellular ATP is a homeostatic messenger that mediates cell‒cell communication in physiological processes and psychiatric diseases. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01261-7. [PMID: 38679359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal activity is the basis of information encoding and processing in the brain. During neuronal activation, intracellular ATP is generated to meet the high-energy demands. Meantime, ATP is secreted, increasing the extracellular ATP concentration and acting as a homeostatic messenger that mediates cell‒cell communication to prevent aberrant hyperexcitability of the nervous system. In addition to the confined release and fast synaptic signaling of classic neurotransmitters within synaptic clefts, ATP can be released by all brain cells, diffuses widely and targets different types of purinergic receptors on neurons and glial cells, making it possible to orchestrate brain neuronal activity and participate in various physiological aspects, such as sleep and wakefulness, learning and memory, and feeding. Dysregulation of extracellular ATP leads to a "destabilizing" effect on the neural network, as found in the etiopathology of many psychiatric diseases, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. This review summarizes advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which extracellular ATP serves as an intercellular signaling molecule to regulate neural activity, with a focus on how it maintains the homeostasis of neural networks. In particular, we also focus on neural activity issues resulting from dysregulation of extracellular ATP and propose that aberrant levels of extracellular ATP may play a role in the etiopathology of some psychiatric diseases, highlighting the potential therapeutic targets of ATP signaling in the treatment of these psychiatric diseases. Finally, we suggest potential avenues to further elucidate the role of extracellular ATP in intercellular communication and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Yang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Radhoe TA, Agelink van Rentergem JA, Torenvliet C, Groenman AP, van der Putten WJ, Geurts HM. Finding Similarities in Differences Between Autistic Adults: Two Replicated Subgroups. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06042-2. [PMID: 37438586 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism is heterogeneous, which complicates providing tailored support and future prospects. We aim to identify subgroups in autistic adults with average to high intelligence, to clarify if certain subgroups might need support. We included 14 questionnaire variables related to aging and/or autism (e.g., demographic, psychological, and lifestyle). Community detection analysis was used for subgroup identification in an original sample of 114 autistic adults with an adulthood diagnosis (autism) and 58 non-autistic adults as comparison group (COMP), and a replication sample (NAutism = 261; NCOMP = 287), both aged 30-89 years. Next, we identified subgroups and assessed external validity (for cognitive and psychological difficulties, and quality of life [QoL]) in the autism samples. To test specificity, we repeated the analysis after adding 123 adults with ADHD, aged 30-80 years. As expected, the autism and COMP groups formed distinct subgroups. Among autistic adults, we identified three subgroups of which two were replicated. One of these subgroups seemed most vulnerable on the cluster variables; this subgroup also reported the most cognitive and psychological difficulties, and lowest QoL. Adding the ADHD group did not alter results. Within autistic adults, one subgroup could especially benefit from support and specialized care, although this must be tested in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulsi A Radhoe
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Joost A Agelink van Rentergem
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Torenvliet
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annabeth P Groenman
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Institute for Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wikke J van der Putten
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassiagroep), Overschiestraat 57, 1062 HN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Brain & Cognition, Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center (d'Arc), University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129-B, 1018 WS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leo Kannerhuis (Youz/Parnassiagroep), Overschiestraat 57, 1062 HN, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gao SQ, Chen JQ, Zhou HY, Luo L, Zhang BY, Li MT, He HY, Chen C, Guo Y. Thrombospondin1 mimics rapidly relieve depression via Shank3 dependent uncoupling between dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. iScience 2023; 26:106488. [PMID: 37091229 PMCID: PMC10119609 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficits in astrocyte function contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicide, but the therapeutic effect of directly reactivating astrocytes for depression remains unclear. Here, specific gains and losses of astrocytic cell functions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) bidirectionally regulate depression-like symptoms. Remarkably, recombinant human Thrombospondin-1 (rhTSP1), an astrocyte-secreted protein, exerted rapidly antidepressant-like actions through tyrosine hydroxylase (Th)/dopamine (DA)/dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) pathways, but not dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs), which was dependent on SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) in the mPFC. TSP1 in the mPFC might have potential as a target for treating clinical depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Qi Gao
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Jun-Quan Chen
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Hai-Yun Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lun Luo
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Bao-Yu Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Man-Ting Li
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Hai-Yong He
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Ying Guo
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510630, China
- Corresponding author
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Yamada K, Kimura T, Cui M, Tanaka E, Kubota Y, Ikehara S, Iso H. Maternal autistic traits and antenatal pain by cross-sectional analysis of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6068. [PMID: 37055438 PMCID: PMC10101964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32945-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of cross-sectional study was to investigate whether the presence of autistic traits in pregnant women was positively associated with the prevalence and severity of antenatal pain. We analyzed 89,068 pregnant women from a Japanese national birth cohort cross-sectionally. Autistic traits were assessed using the Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient short form (AQ-10-J). Antenatal pain was measured using the SF-8 bodily pain item (SF-8-Pain). Antenatal pain in the second to third trimester during pregnancy was categorized into three groups: without pain, mild pain, and moderate-to-severe pain. Participants were divided into eight groups by AQ-10-J score: seven consecutive scoring groups (scores 0-6), and those above the cut-off (≥ 7) for probable autistic spectrum disorders. Odds ratios (OR) for the prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe pain were calculated for each AQ-10-J scoring group (reference: without pain group) using multinominal logistic regression analysis. Autistic traits were positively associated with mild and moderate-to-severe pain in a dose-response manner, but the association with moderate-to-severe pain was strongest. Fully-adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) for moderate-to-severe pain were: 1.01 (0.91-1.13) for 1 point, 1.13 (1.02-1.25) for 2 points, 1.16 (1.04-1.29) for 3 points, 1.20 (1.07-1.34) for 4 points, 1.23 (1.09-1.40) for 5 points, 1.27 (1.10-1.47) for 6 points, and 1.24 (1.05-1.46) for ≥ 7 points (AQ-10-J cut-off). We identified an association between maternal autistic traits and antenatal pain. Maternal autistic traits may need to be considered when addressing antenatal pain during healthcare for expectant mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Yamada
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kimura
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Meishan Cui
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eizaburo Tanaka
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kubota
- Osaka Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoyo Ikehara
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Iso
- Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research (iGHP), Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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6
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Shakeshaft A, Blakey R, Kwong ASF, Riglin L, Davey Smith G, Stergiakouli E, Tilling K, Thapar A. Mental-health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:230-239. [PMID: 36753897 PMCID: PMC9885110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted mental health globally. Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are at elevated risk of mental health difficulties. We investigated the impact of the pandemic on anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing in adults with NDDs using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 3058). Mental health data were collected pre-pandemic (age 21-25) and at three timepoints during the pandemic (ages 27-28) using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7, and Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. ADHD and ASD were defined using validated cut-points of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Autism Spectrum Quotient, self-reported at age 25. We used multi-level mixed-effects models to investigate changes in mental health in those with elevated ADHD/ASD traits compared to those without. Prevalences of depression, anxiety and poor mental wellbeing were higher at all timepoints (pre-pandemic and during pandemic) in those with ADHD and ASD compared to those without. Anxiety increased to a greater extent in those with ADHD (β = 0.8 [0.2,1.4], p = 0.01) and ASD (β = 1.2 [-0.1,2.5], p = 0.07), while depression symptoms decreased, particularly in females with ASD (β = -3.1 [-4.6,-1.5], p = 0.0001). On average, mental wellbeing decreased in all, but to a lesser extent in those with ADHD (β = 1.3 [0.2,2.5], p = 0.03) and females with ASD (β = 3.0 [0.2,5.9], p = 0.04). To conclude, anxiety disproportionately increased in adults with NDDs during the pandemic, however, the related lockdowns may have provided a protective environment for depressive symptoms in the same individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Shakeshaft
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, UK; Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Rachel Blakey
- Population Health Sciences and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alex S F Kwong
- Population Health Sciences and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lucy Riglin
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, UK; Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, UK
| | - George Davey Smith
- Population Health Sciences and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Evie Stergiakouli
- Population Health Sciences and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Tilling
- Population Health Sciences and MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anita Thapar
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, UK; Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, UK.
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Abstract
Psychotic and autistic symptoms are related to social functioning in individuals with psychotic disorders (PD). The present study used a network approach to (1) evaluate the interactions between autistic symptoms, psychotic symptoms, and social functioning, and (2) investigate whether relations are similar in individuals with and without PD. We estimated an undirected network model in a sample of 504 PD, 572 familial risk for psychosis (FR), and 337 typical comparisons (TC), with a mean age of 34.9 years. Symptoms were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ; 5 nodes) and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE; 9 nodes). Social functioning was measured with the Social Functioning Scale (SFS; 7 nodes). We identified statistically significant differences between the FR and PD samples in global strength (P < .001) and network structure (P < .001). Our results show autistic symptoms (social interaction nodes) are negatively and more closely related to social functioning (withdrawal, interpersonal behavior) than psychotic symptoms. More and stronger connections between nodes were observed for the PD network than for FR and TC networks, while the latter 2 were similar in density (P = .11) and network structure (P = .19). The most central items in strength for PD were bizarre experiences, social skills, and paranoia. In conclusion, specific autistic symptoms are negatively associated with social functioning across the psychosis spectrum, but in the PD network symptoms may reinforce each other more easily. These findings emphasize the need for increased clinical awareness of comorbid autistic symptoms in psychotic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela-Maria Isvoranu
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Ziermans
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Cognition, Dutch Autism and ADHD Research Center (d’Arc), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denny Borsboom
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Cognition, Dutch Autism and ADHD Research Center (d’Arc), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Autistic adults are substantially more likely to develop depression than individuals in the general population, and recent research has indicated that certain differences in thinking styles associated with autism may play a role in this association. Rumination, the act of thinking about the same thing over and over without a functional outcome, is a significant risk factor for depression in both autistic and non-autistic adults. However, little is known about how different kinds of rumination relate to each other and to depressive symptoms in the autistic population specifically. To fill this gap in knowledge, we recruited a large online sample of autistic adults, who completed questionnaire measures of both the tendency to ruminate and symptoms of depression. By examining the interacting network of rumination and depression symptoms, this study was able to identify particular aspects of rumination-such as thinking repetitively about one's guilty feelings or criticizing oneself-that may be particularly important in maintaining these harmful thought patterns in autistic adults. Although further study is needed, it is possible that the symptoms identified as most "influential" in the network may be particularly good targets for future interventions for mood and anxiety disorders in the autistic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Williams
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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9
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Blanken TF, Bathelt J, Deserno MK, Voge L, Borsboom D, Douw L. Connecting brain and behavior in clinical neuroscience: A network approach. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:81-90. [PMID: 34324918 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increase in applications of network science in many different fields. In clinical neuroscience and psychopathology, the developments and applications of network science have occurred mostly simultaneously, but without much collaboration between the two fields. The promise of integrating these network applications lies in a united framework to tackle one of the fundamental questions of our time: how to understand the link between brain and behavior. In the current overview, we bridge this gap by introducing conventions in both fields, highlighting similarities, and creating a common language that enables the exploitation of synergies. We provide research examples in autism research, as it accurately represents research lines in both network neuroscience and psychological networks. We integrate brain and behavior not only semantically, but also practically, by showcasing three methodological avenues that allow to combine networks of brain and behavioral data. As such, the current paper offers a stepping stone to further develop multi-modal networks and to integrate brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa F Blanken
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Joe Bathelt
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Department of Psychology, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
| | - Marie K Deserno
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lily Voge
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Denny Borsboom
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, 1018 WT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Douw
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusets General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
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10
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Wang Q, Kong Y, Wu DY, Liu JH, Jie W, You QL, Huang L, Hu J, Chu HD, Gao F, Hu NY, Luo ZC, Li XW, Li SJ, Wu ZF, Li YL, Yang JM, Gao TM. Impaired calcium signaling in astrocytes modulates autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3321. [PMID: 34059669 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. Astrocyte alterations are noted in ASD patients and animal models. However, whether astrocyte dysfunction is causal or consequential to ASD-like phenotypes in mice is unresolved. Type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 6 receptors (IP3R2)-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores results in the activation of astrocytes. Mutations of the IP3R2 gene are associated with ASD. Here, we show that both IP3R2-null mutant mice and astrocyte-specific IP3R2 conditional knockout mice display ASD-like behaviors, such as atypical social interaction and repetitive behavior. Furthermore, we show that astrocyte-derived ATP modulates ASD-like behavior through the P2X2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex and possibly through GABAergic synaptic transmission. These findings identify astrocyte-derived ATP as a potential molecular player in the pathophysiology of ASD. Astrocytes contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology. Here, the authors show that IP3R2 conditional KO mice show ASD-like behaviours and identify astrocyte-derived ATP as a modulator of these behaviours in mice.
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Abstract
Individuals with autism experience substantially higher rates of mood problems compared to the general population, which contribute to reduced quality of life and increased mortality through suicide. Here, we reviewed evidence for the clinical presentation, aetiology and therapeutic approaches for mood problems in autism. We identified a lack of validated tools for accurately identifying mood problems in individuals with autism, who may present with 'atypical' features (e.g. severe irritability). Risk factors for mood problems in autism appear to be largely overlapping with those identified in the general population, including shared genetic, environmental, cognitive, physiological/neurobiological mechanisms. However, these mechanisms are exacerbated directly/indirectly by lived experiences of autism, including increased vulnerability for chronic stress - often related to social-communication difficulties(/bullying) and sensory sensitivities. Lastly, current therapeutic approaches are based on recommendations for primary mood disorders, with little reference to the neurobiological/cognitive differences associated with autism. Thus, we recommend: 1) the development and validation of (objective) tools to identify mood problems in autism and measure therapeutic efficacy; 2) an interactive approach to investigating aetiologies in large-scale longitudinal studies, integrating different levels of analysis (e.g. cognitive, neurobiological) and lived experience; 3) testing potential treatments through high-quality (e.g. sufficiently powered, blinded) clinical trials, specifically for individuals with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Oakley
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, UK
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), London, UK.,Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, UK
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Pop-Jordanova N, Zorcec T. Does the M-Chat-R Give Important Information for the Diagnosis of the Autism Spectrum Disorder? Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki) 2021; 42:67-75. [PMID: 33894115 DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Having in mind the rising rates of the incidence for autism worldwide, the early diagnosis of this neuro-developmental disorder is of the high priority. For that purpose, several checklists have been constructed and used. Nevertheless, there are no universal and uniform criteria for assessing and diagnosing autism, and even if there existed, not every country has the resources to manage such an assessment for diagnosis.A recently validated, revised version of the M-CHAT, the M-CHAT-Revised with Follow up (M-CHAT-R/F) has demonstrated strong psychometric properties.The aim of this article is to discuss our results obtained with M-CHAT-R applied in a sample of 131 children aged 31,9 ±9,4 months, recruited for diagnosis and treatment at the University Children's Hospital in Skopje.Our results confirmed that for screening the use of M-CHAT-R/F is currently the very exact instrument which allows the early suspicion, but also possible follow up the symptoms of this disorder. Additionally, we showed the significant negative correlation between age and scores obtained on the checklist.
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Iannuzzi D, Hall M, Oreskovic NM, Aryee E, Broder-Fingert S, Perrin JM, Kuhlthau KA. Emergency Department Utilization of Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:617-622. [PMID: 33751374 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04969-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examined emergency department (ED) utilization by adolescents and young adults, 12-30 years of age (AYA) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project/National Emergency Department Sample (HCUP/NEDS). We investigated the principal reason for an ED visit, presence of an ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC), and likelihood of hospital admission following ED encounter in ASD and Non-ASD cohorts. The ASD cohort had a higher proportion of ED visits for ACSC diagnoses as compared to the Non-ASD cohort. In addition, the likelihood of admission following an ED visit in the ASD cohort was 3.7 times greater than in the Non-ASD cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Iannuzzi
- Department of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, KS, USA
| | - Nicolas M Oreskovic
- Department of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Aryee
- Department of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | | | - James M Perrin
- Department of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen A Kuhlthau
- Department of General Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Abstract
This study aimed to be the first to measure non-verbal communication in 25 eating disorder (ED) and 25 non-ED control participants during a naturalistic social interaction incorporating positive, negative and neutrally-valenced topics. The first hypothesis, that ED participants would show significantly reduced facial emotional expression than controls, was not supported. Supporting the second hypothesis of between-group differences in non-verbal behaviour, ED participants were less likely to lean in towards their interlocutor (d=.81) discussing negatively-valanced topics and were more likely to be positioned upright when discussing positively-valenced topics (d=.1.09) than controls. Irrespective of emotional valence, ED participants positioned their gaze on their interlocutor significantly less (d=.29) and spent more time looking down (d=.54), or away than controls (d=.63). ED participants moved their hands along with speech significantly less (d=.63) and gestured fewer real/hypothetical/imagined images/actions/objects) than controls (d=.57), irrespective of emotional valence. Instead, ED participants indicated discomfort in the social interaction, touching their nose (d=.89) or playing with their nails (d=.95) more often than controls. ED participants, regardless of emotional valence, showed significantly lowered electro-dermal activity (d=.60) than controls, supporting the exploratory hypothesis. People with EDs appear to make less efficient use of non-verbal communication than controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Harrison
- Associate Professor in Psychology, University College London, Institute of Education, Department of Psychology and Human Development.
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15
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Maietta JE, Kuwabara HC, Cross CL, Flood SM, Kinsora TF, Ross SR, Allen DN. Influence of Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders on Cognitive and Symptom Profiles: Considerations for Baseline Sport Concussion Assessment. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2021:acab006. [PMID: 33611342 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The presence of neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disorders (LD) have demonstrated effects on Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance. No current research has directly examined whether autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has similar effects. The current study compared ImPACT cognitive and symptom profiles in athletes with self-reported ASD to other NDs and healthy controls using case-control matching. METHOD The current study compared ImPACT baselines of high school athletes with ASD to athletes with other NDs (ADHD, LD, and co-occurring ADHD/LD) and healthy controls on cognitive composites and symptom reporting. Participants included 435 athletes (87 controls, 87 with ASD, 87 with ADHD, 87 with LD, and 87 with ADHD/LD) selected from a larger naturalistic sample. Athletes were matched to the ASD group based on age, sex, and sport using randomized case-matched selection from the larger database. RESULTS Results revealed that athletes with ASD performed more poorly than healthy controls on the Visual Motor Speed composite. No differences were found for Post-concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) domain scores. Differences in cognitive and symptom profiles among the athletes with other NDs were also found. CONCLUSIONS Results elucidate patterns of baseline performance for athletes with ASD, demonstrating that there may not be significant differences between ASD and healthy controls on four of the five ImPACT composites, and no symptom reporting differences. Cognitive and symptom differences found for other NDs should be considered when interpreting baseline performance and for making return-to-play decisions in the absence of baseline assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Maietta
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Hana C Kuwabara
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Chad L Cross
- UNLV School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Sarah M Flood
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - Staci R Ross
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Daniel N Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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16
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Wichers M, Riese H, Hodges TM, Snippe E, Bos FM. A Narrative Review of Network Studies in Depression: What Different Methodological Approaches Tell Us About Depression. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:719490. [PMID: 34777038 PMCID: PMC8581034 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.719490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The network theory of psychopathology proposes that mental disorders arise from direct interactions between symptoms. This theory provides a promising framework to understand the development and maintenance of mental disorders such as depression. In this narrative review, we summarize the literature on network studies in the field of depression. Four methodological network approaches are distinguished: (i) studies focusing on symptoms at the macro-level vs. (ii) on momentary states at the micro-level, and (iii) studies based on cross-sectional vs. (iv) time-series (dynamic) data. Fifty-six studies were identified. We found that different methodological approaches to network theory yielded largely inconsistent findings on depression. Centrality is a notable exception: the majority of studies identified either positive affect or anhedonia as central nodes. To aid future research in this field, we outline a novel complementary network theory, the momentary affect dynamics (MAD) network theory, to understand the development of depression. Furthermore, we provide directions for future research and discuss if and how networks might be used in clinical practice. We conclude that more empirical network studies are needed to determine whether the network theory of psychopathology can indeed enhance our understanding of the underlying structure of depression and advance clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Wichers
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harriëtte Riese
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Taylor M Hodges
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Evelien Snippe
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Fionneke M Bos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, Groningen, Netherlands
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Abstract
The aim of this work is to explore the construct of autistic traits through the lens of network analysis with recently introduced Bayesian methods. A conditional dependence network structure was estimated from a data set composed of 649 university students that completed an autistic traits questionnaire. The connectedness of the network is also explored, as well as sex differences among female and male subjects in regard to network connectivity. The strongest connections in the network are found between items that measure similar autistic traits. Traits related to social skills are the most interconnected items in the network. Sex differences are found between female and male subjects. The Bayesian network analysis offers new insight on the connectivity of autistic traits as well as confirms several findings in the autism literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Briganti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Clinical Research, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Joris Mulder
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, 7899Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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18
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Casanova EL, Baeza-Velasco C, Buchanan CB, Casanova MF. The Relationship between Autism and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E260. [PMID: 33271870 PMCID: PMC7711487 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable interest has arisen concerning the relationship between hereditary connective tissue disorders such as the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)/hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and autism, both in terms of their comorbidity as well as co-occurrence within the same families. This paper reviews our current state of knowledge, as well as highlighting unanswered questions concerning this remarkable patient group, which we hope will attract further scientific interest in coming years. In particular, patients themselves are demanding more research into this growing area of interest, although science has been slow to answer that call. Here, we address the overlap between these two spectrum conditions, including neurobehavioral, psychiatric, and neurological commonalities, shared peripheral neuropathies and neuropathologies, and similar autonomic and immune dysregulation. Together, these data highlight the potential relatedness of these two conditions and suggest that EDS/HSD may represent a subtype of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Casanova
- School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29615, USA;
| | - Carolina Baeza-Velasco
- Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health Processes, University of Paris, 92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France;
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, CHU Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Manuel F. Casanova
- School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC 29615, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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