1,721,063 research outputs found
Diagnosing autism spectrum disorders in adults: exploring the utility of the ADOS-2 and the ADI-R
Full text linkDiagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults, particularly those with good cognitive abilities, may represent a challenge for professionals. Clinical diagnoses need to be supported by the use of standardized tools, which have been under-studied in the adult population. The present dissertation aimed to examine the utility of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) - currently considered the “gold standard” instruments - in adults with average or above-average IQ.
First, literature published from 1980 to 2016 was systematically reviewed, showing an impressive growth of the use of standardized tools. Second, data regarding the assessment of 140 adults referred to the Laboratorio Autismo of the University of Pavia for diagnosis of ASD were reported. Results showed that accuracy of ADOS-2 in adults is good, while suggested that ADI-R might not be reliable in adults without intellectual disability. Female gender was a negative predictor of agreement between ADOS-2 and clinical diagnosis in the ASD sample. IQ seemed to negatively predict the agreement between ADI-R and DSM-5, while in people with more stereotypes ADI-R better agreed with clinical diagnosis. Finally, some of the most paradigmatic and fascinating cases have been reported in the last chapter.
In conclusion, training and experience of professionals remain of primary importance while assessing adults who could potentially belong to the autism spectrum. Women and individuals with higher IQ, in particular, seem to present more camouflaging strategies and less pronounced symptoms. Future research should focus on the improvement of diagnostic tools in order to allow a correct identification of ASD in adults, with the promotion of positive outcomes
Something to talk about: Gossip increases oxytocin levels in a near real-life situation
No full textGossip is a pervasive social behavior. Its evolutionary survival seems related to its social functions, such as establishing group rules, punishing trespassers, exercising social influence through reputational systems, and developing and strengthening social bonds. We aimed at evaluating the effect of gossip on hormones (oxytocin and cortisol) and at identifying potential mediators of hormonal response to gossip. Twenty-two female students were randomly assigned to a gossip conversation or to an emotional non-gossip conversation. Additionally, all participants underwent a neutral conversation on the second day of the study. Salivary oxytocin and cortisol levels were measured. Oxytocin increased significantly in the gossip compared to the emotional non-gossip conversation. A decrease in cortisol levels was observed in all three conditions (gossip, emotional non-gossip, neutral). Change in cortisol levels was similar across conditions. Psychological characteristics (e.g. empathy, autistic traits, perceived stress, envy) did not affect oxytocin rise in the gossip condition. Our findings suggest that oxytocin may represent a potential hormonal correlate of gossip behavior
Editorial: Early identification of affective and non-affective psychoses: From psychopathology to biomarkers
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Still a Long Way to Go. Editorial for the Special Issue “Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder”
No full textAlthough many years have passed since the first descriptions of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [...
Modelli organizzativi dei centri di riferimento per l'autismo: giovani adulti
No full textQuesto capitolo affronta il problema della transizione dalla età adolescenziale a quella adulta sulla base dell'esperienza di alcuni centri interdisciplinari di riferimento per i disturbi dello spettro autistico. Un modello applicativo proposto come esempio è quello del case-management, portato avanti da alcune Regioni italiane
'Aut'-sider: The invisible talent of Simona Concaro
No full textThe article described the unique musical talent of a person suffering from a severe form of autism. The authors provided a dissertation about the difficulty in differentiating the artistic capacity of Simona Concaro from autistic stereotypies
Review and Case Study: Aggressive and Self-Injurious Behaviors in a Woman Who Received a Diagnosis of Autism in Adulthood
No full textAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by socio-communication impairments and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. Autistic people with milder symptoms may receive a formal diagnosis only in adulthood. Autism can be accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities as well as self-injurious behaviors, aggressiveness, or irritability, which may hide different underlying causes. To date, only two antipsychotics (i.e., risperidone and aripiprazole) have been approved for the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autism by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the clinical management of problem behaviors can be arduous, especially in autistic adults. In this chapter, we present the case of a 30-year-old woman who referred to our psychiatric service for difficulties in socio-communication, emotional dysregulation, and aggressive behaviors. After a specialized diagnostic assessment, a diagnosis of ASD with co-occurrent unspecified mood disorder was performed, and an appropriate treatment was initiated
Depression, PTSD and alexithymia in victims of intimate partner violence: a case-control study
No full textIntimate partner violence (IPV) regards millions of women worldwide and can lead to serious psychopathological consequences. Objective: We aimed to evaluate differences between a group of abused women and controls, and potential predictors of depression and PTSD in the IPV group. Methods: We recruited 57 women who experienced IPV and 57 age-matched controls from the general population. After collecting socio-demographic characteristics, we administered the following scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Revised-Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2). Results: Our results showed differences between women who experienced IPV and controls in the socio-economic status, employment and educational levels, childhood abuse and early terminations of pregnancy. Notably, the rates of depression, PTSD, and alexithymia were significantly different between the two groups. Linear regression models revealed that sexual coercion was an independent positive predictor of depressive symptoms, while alexithymia played a role in the development of PTSD in the group of abused women. Discussion: Given the prevalence of depression and PTSD in victims of IPV, it is important to always investigate for IPV in women seeking for help in mental health services. Alexithymia in victims of IPV deserves to be further investigated by researchers
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