scholarly journals A Neurodevelopment Approach for a Transitional Model of Early Onset Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico De Berardis ◽  
Sergio De Filippis ◽  
Gabriele Masi ◽  
Stefano Vicari ◽  
Alessandro Zuddas
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Receptive Language ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Neurodegenerative Process ◽  
Developmental Disturbance ◽  
Early Adult Life

In the last decades, the conceptualization of schizophrenia has dramatically changed, moving from a neurodegenerative process occurring in early adult life to a neurodevelopmental disorder starting be-fore birth, showing a variety of premorbid and prodromal symptoms and, in relatively few cases, evolving in the full-blown psychotic syndrome. High rates of co-occurring different neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, predating the onset of SCZ, and neurobio-logical underpinning with significant similarities, support the notion of a pan-developmental disturbance consisting of impairments in neuromotor, receptive language, social and cognitive development. Con-sidering that many SCZ risk factors may be similar to symptoms of other neurodevelopmental psychi-atric disorders, transition processes from child & adolescent to adult systems of care should include both high risk people as well as subject with other neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders with different levels of severity. This descriptive mini-review discuss the need of innovative clinical approaches, re-considering specific diagnostic categories, stimulating a careful analysis of risk factors and promoting the appropriate use of new and safer medications.

Early Life Origins of ASD and ADHD

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuelong Ji ◽  
Ramkripa Raghavan ◽  
Xiaobin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Repetitive Behavior ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Shared Risk

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and by the presence of restrictive, repetitive behavior. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is another common lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three major presentations: predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and combined. Although ASD and ADHD are different clinical diagnoses, they share various common characteristics, including male dominance, early childhood onset, links to prenatal and perinatal factors, common comorbidity for each other, and, often, persistence into adulthood. They also have both unique and shared risk factors, which originate in early life and have lifelong implications on the affected individuals and families and society. While genetic factors contribute to ASD and ADHD risk, the environmental contribution to ASD and ADHD has been recognized as having potentially equal importance, which raises the hope for early prevention and intervention. Maternal folate levels, maternal metabolic syndrome, and metabolic biomarkers have been associated with the risk of childhood ASD; while maternal high-density lipoprotein, maternal psychosocial stress, and in utero exposure to opioids have been associated with the risk of childhood ADHD. As for shared factors, male sex, preterm birth, placental pathology, and early life exposure to acetaminophen have been associated with both ASD and ADHD. The high rate of comorbidity of ASD and ADHD and their many shared early life risk factors suggest that early identification and intervention of common early life risk factors may be cost-effective to lower the risk of both conditions. Efforts to improve maternal preconception, prenatal, and perinatal health will not only help reduce adverse reproductive and birth outcomes but will also help mitigate the risk of ASD and ADHD associated with those adverse early life events.

scholarly journals Epigenomic convergence of genetic and immune risk factors in neurodevelopmental disorder cortex

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vogel Ciernia A. ◽  
Laufer B.I. ◽  
Dunaway K.W. ◽  
Hwang H. ◽  
Mordaunt C.E. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Regulatory Regions ◽  
Human Cortex ◽  
Genes And Environment

AbstractNeurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact 7% to 14% of all children in developed countries and are one of the leading causes of lifelong disability. Epigenetic modifications are poised at the interface between genes and environment and are predicted to reveal insight into the gene networks, cell types, and developmental timing of NDD etiology. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to examine DNA methylation in 49 human cortex samples from three different NDDs (autism spectrum disorder, Rett syndrome, and Dup15q syndrome) and matched controls. Integration of methylation differences across NDDs with relevant genomic and genetic datasets revealed differentially methylated regions (DMRs) unique to each type of NDD but with shared regulatory functions in neurons and microglia. DMRs were significantly enriched for known NDD genetic risk factors, including both common inherited and rare de novo variants. Weighted region co-methylation network analysis revealed a module related to NDD diagnosis and enriched for microglial regulatory regions. Together, these results demonstrate an epigenomic signature of NDDs in human cortex shared with known genetic and immune etiological risk. Epigenomic insights into cell types and gene regulatory regions will aid in defining therapeutic targets and early biomarkers at the interface of genetic and environmental NDD risk factors.

scholarly journals Research of the Causes and Risk Factors of Autism in the Western Region of Algeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 91-98
Author(s):  
Hayet Mehida ◽  
Samira Meziani ◽  
Wahiba Mehida ◽  
Khalida Zemri ◽  
Imene Bekhaled ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Fetal Distress ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Western Region ◽  
Male Predominance ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder Risk ◽  
The Western Region ◽  
Causes And Risk Factors

Introduction Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests before 3 years old and affects many areas, communication, social interactions and behaviors. In Algeria, there has not yet been a regional or national epidemiological investigation concerning autism spectrum disorders. Materials and methods: Our study was carried about 100 patients ( autistic children) in the western region of Algeria, in order to determine the differents risk factors involved in the onset of autism syndrome. Results and discussion: The obtained results indicate a male predominance with a sex ratio of 4: 1 and the degree of reached is average in 44% of patients. 42% of the patients are youngsters. Parents' worry about their children begins  between 24 and 36 months. The parents' advanced age at conception, stress, presence of certain pathologies and drug intake by mothers, as well as fetal distress at birth and children's exposure to screens were the main risk factors. Repetitive movements, lack of social communication, language delay, and lack of visual fixation were the main clinical symptomatology. Conclusion: This study allowed us to detect the main factors associated with the onset of autism. However, the results obtained cannot be generalized to the entire population. Keywords: Autism, autism spectrum disorder, risk factors, clinical symptoms, western region of Algeria.

scholarly journals The long-term outcomes of a cohort of adolescents and adults from Greece with autism spectrum disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaia Sevaslidou ◽  
Christina Chatzidimitriou ◽  
Grigoris Abatzoglou
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Clinic ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Adolescents And Adults

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Although it is a lifelong condition, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function. Research on the outcomes in adolescence and adult life and on the associated factors is limited. The objective of the present study is to examine the outcomes as well as the contributing factors in adolescents and adults diagnosed with ASD in Greece. Method Participants included 69 parents of individuals diagnosed with ASD in their childhood. Interviews were conducted with the parents, and archived medical and psychological records were collected. Participants had been diagnosed in the Child and Adolescent Unit of the 3d Psychiatric Clinic of the AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece between 1990 and 2007. Results The overall outcome was poor in most of cases (22.6% “very poor” and 24.5% “poor”); however, a substantial number had “good” (18.9%) or “very good” (22.6%) outcomes. Severity of initial diagnosis (χ2 = 65.956, DF = 8, p < 0.001), presence of comorbid disorders in childhood (χ2 = 14,085, DF = 4, p < 0.007), current comorbidity (χ2 = 15.834, DF = 4, p = 0.003), and certain developmental milestones [early acquisition of language skills (χ2 = 16.991, DF = 8, p = 0.030)] were positively correlated with adult outcomes. Conclusions Overall outcomes in the Greek sample were consistent with international studies. It seems that important contributing factors are comorbidity and especially overall lower cognitive function (intellectual disability), but further research is needed as well as enhanced adult-oriented research and intervention programs.

scholarly journals Preconception Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Hankus Magdalena ◽  
Kazek Beata ◽  
Paprocka Justyna ◽  
Kapinos-Gorczyca Agnieszka ◽  
Magdalena Szczepara-Fabian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Oral Contraception ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Healthy Children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of multifactorial etiology. Preconception risk factors are still poorly understood. A survey on preconception risk factors for ASD was conducted among parents of 121 ASD patients aged 3–12 years and parents of 100 healthy children aged 3–12 years. The exclusion criteria were as follows: the presence of associated problems such as intellectual disability, epilepsy or other genetic and neurological diseases. Thirteen parameters were considered, a few among which were conception problems, conception with assisted reproductive techniques, the use and duration of oral contraception, the number of previous pregnancies and miscarriages, time since the previous pregnancy (in months), the history of mental illness in the family (including ASD), other chronic diseases in the mother or father and maternal and paternal treatment in specialist outpatient clinics. Three factors statistically significantly increased the risk of developing ASD: mental illness in the mother/mother’s family (35.54% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.0002), maternal thyroid disease (16.67% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.009) and maternal oral contraception (46.28% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.01). Children of mothers with thyroid disorders or with mental illness in relatives should be closely monitored for ASD. Further studies are warranted to assess a potential effect of oral contraception on the development of offspring.

scholarly journals Epigenomic Convergence of Neural-Immune Risk Factors in Neurodevelopmental Disorder Cortex

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 640-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vogel Ciernia ◽  
B I Laufer ◽  
H Hwang ◽  
K W Dunaway ◽  
C E Mordaunt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cytosine Methylation ◽  
System Development ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Human Cortex ◽  
Genes And Environment

Abstract Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect 7–14% of all children in developed countries and are one of the leading causes of lifelong disability. Epigenetic modifications are poised at the interface between genes and environment and are predicted to reveal insight into NDD etiology. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was used to examine DNA cytosine methylation in 49 human cortex samples from 3 different NDDs (autism spectrum disorder, Rett syndrome, and Dup15q syndrome) and matched controls. Integration of methylation changes across NDDs with relevant genomic and genetic datasets revealed differentially methylated regions (DMRs) unique to each type of NDD but with shared regulatory functions in neurons and microglia. NDD DMRs were enriched within promoter regions and for transcription factor binding sites with identified methylation sensitivity. DMRs from all 3 disorders were enriched for ontologies related to nervous system development and genes with disrupted expression in brain from neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. Genes associated with NDD DMRs showed expression patterns indicating an important role for altered microglial function during brain development. These findings demonstrate an NDD epigenomic signature in human cortex that will aid in defining therapeutic targets and early biomarkers at the interface of genetic and environmental NDD risk factors.

scholarly journals Autism spectrum disorder screening in children aged 16-30 months using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised (M-CHAT-R)

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-52
Author(s):  
Clarissa Josephine Aditya ◽  
Jenni Kim Dahliana ◽  
Ariani Dewi Widodo ◽  
Rini Sekartini
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
History Of

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a global prevalence of 7.6 in 1,000 children. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers - Revised (M-CHAT-R) is one of many screening tools for ASD. It is fast, easy to use, and has been translated and validated in the Indonesian language. Objective To determine the prevalence of ASD in Indonesia and its risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2020. In the first protocol (March to July 2020), 219 children aged 16-30 months from 20 hospital walk-in clinics in five districts of Jakarta were included. Subjects’ parents filled out the M-CHAT-R questionnaire during their visit. A series of questions were asked to provide information about probable risk factors associated with ASD: gender, family history of ASD, preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), and history of seizures. The second protocol (August to October 2020) was completed by parents via an online form, where 746 children aged 16-30 months were enrolled. Therefore, a total of 965 subjects were eligible for statistical analysis. Results Of 965 subjects, 56.58% were males. Subjects’ mean of age was 22.59 (SD 4.15) months. M-CHAT-R screening showed that 34 (3.52%) subjects were at high risk of developing ASD. Only male gender was significantly associated with ASD. Conclusion We screened for ASD in healthy 16-30-month-old Indonesian children. The rate of high-risk M-CHAT-R score was 3.52%. Male gender was a significant risk factor for high-risk M-CHAT-R results.

scholarly journals Asperger syndrome in childhood – personality dimensions in adult life: temperament, character and outcome trajectories

BJPsych Open ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Helles ◽  
I. Carina Gillberg ◽  
Christopher Gillberg ◽  
Eva Billstedt ◽  
Märta Wallinius
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Comorbidity ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Harm Avoidance ◽  
Novelty Seeking ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Diagnostic Stability ◽  
The Stability

BackgroundTemperament and character have been shown to be important factors in understanding psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorder. Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have repeatedly been shown to have a distinct temperament and character, but this has not been evaluated in relation to psychiatric comorbidity and ASD diagnostic stability.AimsTo examine temperament and character in males that were diagnosed with ASD in childhood and followed prospectively over almost two decades.MethodTemperament and character were assessed in 40 adult males with a childhood diagnosis of ASD. Results were analysed by the stability of ASD diagnosis over time and current psychiatric comorbidity.ResultsThree distinct temperament and character profiles emerged from the data. Those no longer meeting criteria for ASD had high reward dependence while those with a stable ASD diagnosis and psychiatric comorbidity showed elevated harm avoidance and low self-directedness and cooperativeness. Finally, those with a stable ASD and no comorbidity showed low novelty seeking and somewhat elevated harm avoidance.ConclusionsTemperament and character are important factors correlated with long-term diagnostic stability and psychiatric comorbidity in males diagnosed with ASD in childhood.

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