768 The Relationship Between Circadian Rhythm and Autism Spectrum Disorder Traits and Executive Function Across the Life Span

Introduction Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sleep, circadian, and executive function impairments, which can affect daytime quality. Yet, the relationship between sleep or circadian traits and ASD traits is still unknown. Thus, we aimed to determine if sleep and circadian traits were associated with ASD traits, including executive function. Methods We studied data from participants with and without ASD enrolled in the family-based study Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence (ASPE), University of Pennsylvania. We used GGIR to analyze actigraphy-derived sleep and circadian traits from 250 participants (219 adults ages 18–87 years, mean 44.2 ± 17.3 years; 31 children ages 4–17 years, mean 11.3 ± 3.9 years). These traits were compared to ASD traits (social impairment and restricted/repetitive behavior via Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition) and executive function (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) using linear multivariate regression models adjusted for age, age2, and sex via Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines. Results In adults, earlier start time of the 10 hours of highest activity in a 24-hour day (M10 start time; p = 0.02), decreased robustness of the rest/activity rhythm (relative amplitude; p = 0.03), and increased intradaily variability of rest/activity rhythm (p = 0.04) were associated with more social impairment. In children, earlier M10 start time (p = 0.02) and decreased relative amplitude (p = 0.03) were associated with more social impairment. In adults, higher average 5-hour period of lowest activity in a 24-hour day (L5 average; p = 0.03), lower average 10-hour period of highest activity in a 24-hour day (M10 average; p = 0.005), earlier M10 start time (p = 0.02), decreased relative amplitude (p = <0.001), increased intradaily variability (p = <0.001) and decreased sleep efficiency (p = 0.04) were associated with increased executive function impairment. In children, earlier M10 start time (p = 0.006) and intradailty variability (p = 0.008) were associated with increased executive function impairment. Conclusion Circadian traits are significantly associated with ASD traits, including executive function, suggesting the importance of sleep-wake rhythm dysfunction in ASD. Support (if any) Anonymous donor; NIH T32HL07713; University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics

Severe sleep disturbance is associated with executive function impairment in patients with first-episode, treatment-naïve major depressive disorders

Background Sleep disturbance and executive function impairment are common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), though the relationship between the two remains unclear. We investigated this association in first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with MDD. Methods We analyzed data from 242 patients with MDD. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on sleep disturbance severity and compared the executive function odds ratios between the groups. Results A total of 121 pairs of patients were matched (age 39.4 ± 10.1, 70.2% female). After propensity score matching, the odds ratios for cognitive impairment in patients with MDD and severe sleep disturbance were 1.922 (1.068–3.459, P = 0.029, q = 0.044) in executive functioning; 2.023 (1.211–3.379, P = 0.007, q = 0.021) in executive shifting. Conclusions Sleep disturbance is associated with executive functioning impairment in first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with MDD. Severe sleep disturbance can be a marker and aid in recognizing executive function impairment in patients with first-episode treatment-naïve MDD. Severe sleep disturbance can be a potential modifiable factor to improve executive function in MDD, as well as an effective measurement to improve cognition for sleep symptom management that should be enforced at initial treatment of first-episode MDD. Further study is required to confirm our results. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02023567; registration date: December 2013.

Examining the Relations Among Emerging Adult Coping, Executive Function, and Anxiety

Emerging adulthood is a developmental period marked by increased anxiety related to academic, social, and professional stressors. The ability to successfully cope with stress is strongly negatively related to mental health outcomes. Furthermore, recent studies indicate a connection between executive function impairment and anxiety. The current study examines executive function (EF), coping, and anxiety in a sample of 210 emerging adults ( N Males = 131, M age = 19.14). The relation between EF and coping is examined as well as how coping may moderate the relation between EF and anxiety. The results demonstrate that EF impairment is related to greater disengagement and emotion-focused coping. Furthermore, both EF dysfunction and disengagement coping strategies were associated with increased anxiety. Emotion-focused coping and disengagement coping moderated the relation between EF impairment and anxiety.