scholarly journals Food and the gut: relevance to some of the autisms

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 478-483
Author(s):  
Paul Whiteley
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Gi Tract ◽  
Social Communication Skills ◽  
Bidirectional Associations ◽  
Core Symptoms ◽  
The Brain

Complex, diverse and rarely appearing without comorbidity, the autism spectrum disorders continue to be a source of research interest. With core symptoms variably impacting on social communication skills, the traditional focus of many research efforts has centred on the brain and how genetic and environmental processes impact on brain structure, function and/or connectivity to account for various behavioural presentations. Alongside emerging ideas on autistic traits being present in various clinical states, the autisms, and the overrepresentation of several comorbid conditions impacting on quality of life, other research avenues have opened up. The central role of the brain in relation to autism may be at least partially influenced by the functions of other organs. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract represents an important biological system pertinent to at least some autism. The notion of a gut–brain–behaviour axis has garnered support from various findings: an overrepresentation of functional and pathological bowel states, bowel and behavioural findings showing bidirectional associations, a possible relationship between diet, GI function and autism and recently, greater focus on aspects of the GI tract such as the collected gut microbiota in relation to autism. Gaps remain in our knowledge of the functions of the GI tract linked to autism, specifically regarding mechanisms of action onward to behavioural presentation. Set however within the context of diversity in the presentation of autism, science appears to be moving towards defining important GI-related autism phenotypes with the possibility of promising dietary and other related intervention options onward to improving quality of life.

scholarly journals Is the Pain Just Physical? The Role of Psychological Distress, Quality of Life, and Autistic Traits in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, an Internet-Based Survey in Italy

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1472
Author(s):  
Matteo Rocchetti ◽  
Alessandra Bassotti ◽  
Jacopo Corradi ◽  
Stefano Damiani ◽  
Gianluigi Pasta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Background: Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) have been associated with psychological distress, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and worsening in quality of life (QoL). Among the neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have shown the highest rates of co-occurrence with EDS. The reasons for these associations are unknown and a possible role of pain in increasing the risk of psychiatric disorders in EDS has been suggested. However, a detailed picture of an Italian EDS sample is still lacking. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey in a third level center for the diagnosis of EDS in northern Italy, to investigate psychological distress, QoL, and the presence of autistic traits. Furthermore, we correlated the psychometric data with some clinical variables. Results: We observed a high rate of psychological distress with 91% of the responders at high risk of common mental disorders, low QoL, and high prevalence of autistic traits in EDS patients. Specifically, patients lacking a specific genetic test, diagnosed as suspects of EDS appeared to be at greater risk and reported worse psychological QoL. Pain was significantly associated with both psychological distress and worse QoL. Conclusions: Our findings support the need of further research and of a multi-disciplinary approach to EDS including psychological and psychiatric liaison.

Considerations on the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors in Postmenopausal Women With Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
pp. 385-400
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Blaustein
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Develop Breast Cancer ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
The Brain

About 1 of every 8 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, and approximately 250,000 new cancer cases are expected annually as of 2017. Of those breast cancers, approximately 60% to 75% will express estrogen receptors, suggesting that estrogens are likely to promote growth of those tumors. Because the use of inhibitors of the synthesis of estrogens is the adjuvant treatment of choice for many women, it is essential that we understand the potential adverse effects on quality of life of those treatments. This review addresses the role of estrogens locally synthesized in the brain in laboratory animals and women, the effects of estrogens on cognitive function, the effects of synthesis blockers on cognitive function, and the limitations in performing experiments that will give us strong confidence in the results and conclusions.

scholarly journals The Impact of Schizotypy on Quality of Life Among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albin Klang ◽  
Britta Westerberg ◽  
Mats B. Humble ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizotypal personality disorder can be difficult to distinguish. Deficits in social relationships and social interaction, present in both conditions, are known to impair quality of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate if schizotypal symptoms affect quality of life among adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and to study the association between schizotypy and autistic traits among them. Methods: Participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (n=110) completed questionnaires exploring schizotypy (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised (SPQ-BR)), autistic traits (The Ritvo Autism, Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised Screen 14 items), anxiety and depression (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) and quality of life (Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale and the European quality of life index version 5D). Results: Schizotypy was found to be associated with anxiety, depressive and autistic symptoms, and poor quality of life. Although schizotypy was a predictor for impaired quality of life, this relationship was mediated by symptoms of anxiety and depression, plausibly inherent to autism. Autistic traits were positively associated with all higher order constructs of the SPQ-BR, i.e. positive and negative schizotypy, disorganization and social anxiety, as well as with poor quality of life. Conclusions: There is considerable overlap between schizotypy and autism that needs to be considered in research. Prominent schizotypal traits in people with ASD may constitute an endophenotype coinciding with a particularly poor quality of life.

scholarly journals Current and Lifetime Somatic Symptom Burden Among Transition-aged Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary J Williams ◽  
Katherine O Gotham
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
General Population ◽  
Somatic Symptom ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Correlates

Background and Objectives: Somatic symptoms are the most common cause of outpatient medical visits in the general population, yet their presence and severity in individuals on the autism spectrum has rarely been studied. We sought to assess the prevalence, impact, and clinical correlates of fourteen commonly-reported somatic symptoms in a sample of transition-aged autistic young adults. Methods: A sample of 290 independent and cognitively able autistic young adults (aged 18-26 years; mean [SD]: 23.10 [2.38] years) was recruited from the Simons Foundation SPARK participant pool. A modified version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 was used to assess somatic symptom prevalence/impact, along with measures of depression, anxiety, autistic traits, and quality of life. Results: Somatic symptom burden was much higher in autistic young adults than previously reported in the general population. The most commonly reported current symptoms were fatigue (72.8%), sleep problems (69.0%), and menstrual problems (61.4% of females). Moderate or severe symptom levels were reported by 53.9% of females and 18.75% of males in our cohort, with the odds of females of endorsing any given symptom being 2-4 times greater than males. Both individual symptoms and total symptom burden were related to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and autistic traits, along with lower quality of life. Conclusion: Despite little research on this topic previously, somatic symptoms are highly prevalent in autistic young adults, particularly women. Future research is needed to investigate links between somatic symptoms, medical and psychiatric morbidity, and health care utilization in the autistic population. What's Known on This Subject Somatic symptoms are highly prevalent in the general population and account for a large proportion of health system visits and health care costs. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence, impact, or correlates of these symptoms in individuals on the autism spectrum. What This Study Adds To our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically assess current and lifetime somatic symptom burden, symptom onset patterns, and the clinical correlates of multisystem symptom distress in transition-aged young adults on the autism spectrum.

Treatments for Breast Cancer That Affect Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Women

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Blaustein
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Develop Breast Cancer ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Estrogen Synthesis ◽  
The Brain

About one of every eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Approximately a quarter of a million new cancer cases are expected in 2017. Of those breast cancers, 60% to 75% will have characteristics suggesting that estrogens are likely to promote growth of those tumors. Consequently, inhibiting estrogen synthesis is one of the main treatments of choice. Therefore, women must understand the potential adverse effects of those treatments on quality of life. This review discusses (a) the role of estrogens locally synthesized in the brain in laboratory animals and women, (b) the effects of estrogens and blockers of estrogen synthesis on cognitive function, and (c) the limitations in experiments on women taking inhibitors. This article aims to provide women and oncologists with information that will encourage them to consider side effects of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) treatment on the brain.

scholarly journals Ageing on the autism spectrum: A 4-year follow-up study of mental health and quality of life in autistic adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr Amanda Roestorf ◽  
Patricia Howlin ◽  
Dermot M. Bowler
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Autistic Adults

Background: Poor mental health is known to adversely affect functional abilities, social isolation and quality of life (QoL). It is, therefore, crucial to consider the long-term impacts of mental health conditions as autistic adults grow older. Objectives: Our objectives were to understand the extent of: (i) autistic traits, co-occurring physical and mental health conditions; (ii) age-related differences in those conditions; and (iii) their impact on everyday living and QoL. Method: Fifty-two autistic adults (aged 18-79 years) participated in the first study (T1); 28 took part in a follow-up at T2 (mean retest interval 2.5 years). Standardised self-report measures of autistic traits, mental health and QoL were completed at both time points. Results: Over half of autistic adults experienced at least one co-occurring condition, and over a third met the criteria for 3+ conditions. Depression symptoms were particularly high in autistic women. Mental and physical health problems were related to autistic traits, difficulties in everyday life, and were a strong and consistent predictor of poor QoL (T1; T2) across the lifespan. Conclusion: Our findings highlighted that mental health difficulties persisted into older age and did not reduce over time. Together, these findings raise important questions about mental health provision in adult autism.

Siblings of Children with ASD: Promoting Social Communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Donaldson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Sibling Relationships ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Family Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Communication Skills ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
The Social

Siblings of children with disabilities have been a focus of research in recent years. Sibling relationships, family quality of life, and incorporation of siblings into intervention have all been areas of investigation. The current paper describes the participation of siblings in intervention with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sibling-mediated intervention, modeled after peer-mediated intervention, has been shown to increase the social communication skills of children with ASD, and families have reported satisfaction and increased quality of life following such intervention. Clinical implications and ideas for supporting siblings and families of children with ASD are discussed.

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