Prevalence of autistic traits and their relationships with other psychopathological domains in young adults seeking psychiatric attention: a cluster analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nearly two-thirds of individuals with a mental disorder start experiencing symptoms during adolescence or early adulthood, and the onset of a mental disorder during this critical life stage strongly predicts adverse socioeconomic and health outcomes. Subthreshold manifestations of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), also called autistic traits (ATs), are known to be associated with a higher vulnerability to the development of other psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess the presence of ATs in a population of young adults seeking specialist assistance and to evaluate the study population across various psychopathological domains in order to determine their links with ATs. METHODS: We recruited a sample of 263 adolescents and young adults referring to a specialized outpatient clinic, and we administered them several self-report questionnaires for the evaluation of various psychopathological domains. We conducted a cluster analysis based on the prevalence of ATs, empathy, and sensory sensitivity scores. RESULTS: The cluster analysis identified three distinct groups in the sample: an AT cluster (22.43%), an intermediate cluster (45.25%), and a no-AT cluster (32.32%). Moreover, subjects with higher ATs exhibited greater symptomatology across multiple domains, including mood, anxiety, eating disorder severity, psychotic symptoms, and personality traits such as detachment and vulnerable narcissism. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of identifying ATs in young individuals struggling with mental health concerns. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity of adopting a dimensional approach to psychopathology to better understand the complex interplay of symptoms and facilitate tailored interventions.

Breaking Down the Stigma: A Review of the Literature on the Relationships between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Criminal Behavior.

Background: In recent years, there has been growing interest in the evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic traits in prison populations and offenders. Due to misleading headlines and highly publicized criminal cases, the belief that autistic individuals are more prone to commit crimes has spread among the general population, also leading to increasing research on this matter. Aims: In this context, this narrative review aimed to analyze the available scientific literature on the bi-directional link between ASD and criminal behaviors and to assess the key characteristics of eventual ASD offenders, including sociodemographic data, comorbidities, crime-related features, and interactions with the criminal justice system. Results: Our review highlighted that the available studies lack methodological rigor and present controversial results. Overall, the current state of research does not support any definitive correlation between ASD or autistic traits and the predisposition to engage in criminal conduct. Further studies are needed to confirm or reject this hypothesis.

Exploring the relationship between problematic eating behaviors and bipolar disorder: A study on candidates for bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major concern in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and problematic eating behaviors have been suggested to mediate their relationship. The association between problematic eating behaviors and obesity has been studied but limited data have explored the role of BD. We investigated problematic eating behaviors among patients with BD compared with candidates for bariatric surgery (BS), with or without BD, and explored the possible correlations between mood spectrum, impulsivity, body mass index (BMI). METHODS: 50 euthymic patients with BD and 200 subjects eligible for BS, 48 with BD (BS + BD) and 152 without BD (BS-BD), were recruited at the Psychiatric Clinic of University of Pisa. Assessments included: Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-5), Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Night Eating Scale (NES), Grazing Questionnaire (GQ), Mood Spectrum Self-Report (MOOD-SR), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS). RESULTS: BS + BD reported significantly higher EDI-2 and EDE-Q scores than the other groups. BD and BS + BD showed significantly higher BIS-11 scores than BS-BD. Among BS, EES and YFAS were associated with mood spectrum symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Small BD sample size, BS may have underreported psychiatric symptoms to get approved for surgery, the interview didn't inquire about BS receiving GLP-1 agonists therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed a high prevalence of problematic eating behaviors among patients with BD and severely obese. Problematic eating behaviors may aggravate BD symptoms. Mood spectrum symptoms in obese subjects need to be carefully researched in as relate to severity and post-surgical course of BS.

Autistic traits as predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms among patients with borderline personality disorder.

Background: Autistic traits (AT) seem to be particularly frequent among patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Moreover, the autism spectrum is considered a vulnerability factor for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, increasing the vulnerability of BPD subjects toward the development of a stress-related disorder. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the association between AT and trauma-related symptoms in a clinical sample of patients with BPD. Methods: A total of 48 patients with a clinical diagnosis of BPD and 52 healthy control (HC) subjects were recruited and assessed with the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum Self-Report (AdAS Spectrum) questionnaire and the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self-Report questionnaire (TALS-SR). The BPD group was divided into two subgroups: BPD with a symptomatological diagnosis of PTSD (pBPD = 25) and BPD not diagnosed with PTSD (No-pBPD = 23). Results: The clinical sample scored significantly higher in almost all AdAS domains. Moreover, pBPD groups reported higher AdAS and TALS-SR scores in the total and in various domains than the No-pBPD group, which scored higher in several domains than HC. AdAS Restricted interests and rumination domain scores were positive predictors of BPD presence independently from PTSD, while Inflexibility and adherence to routine domain was a negative predictor. Finally, AdAS Hyper/hyporeactivity to sensory stimuli domain was a positive predictor only for inclusion in the pBPD group. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the autism spectrum and BPD, while BPD subjects diagnosed with PTSD seem to show a higher autism spectrum burden.

Major Depressive Disorder with Catatonia: A Phenotype Related to Autistic Traits and High Suicidality.

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) represents a significant global health concern, often complicated by comorbidities such as catatonia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recognizing the interplay among these conditions and their impact on suicidal tendencies is crucial for effective clinical management. Methods: A total sample of 147 subjects with MDD was divided into Significant Catatonia (SC) and Non-Significant Catatonia (NSC) groups based on Catatonia Spectrum (CS) scores. Participants were evaluated through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Research Version (SCID-5-RV), the Adult Autism Subtreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), and the Mood Spectrum-Self Report questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, logistic regression analyses, and a decision tree model. Results: The SC group exhibited higher CS, AdAS Spectrum, and MOODS-SR total and domain scores compared to the NSC group. Individuals with significant autistic traits were over-represented in the SC group, as well as participants with higher suicidality, suicidal ideation, and a history of suicide attempts. The total AdAS Spectrum and MOOD-SR score, the AdAS domain "Hyper-hypo reactivity to sensory input", and the "Cognitive depressive" MOOD-SR domain were predictive of belonging to the SC group. Suicidality levels appeared to be higher in clinically significant ASD, intermediate in subjects with autistic traits (AT), and low in the absence of AT. Conclusions: the study suggests the existence of a specific phenotype of MDD associated with catatonia, characterized by elevated autistic traits and suicide risk.

Genetic determinants of coping, resilience and self-esteem in schizophrenia suggest a primary role for social factors and hippocampal neurogenesis.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder, associated with a reduction in life expectancy of 15-20 years. Available treatments are at least partially effective in most affected individuals, and personal resources such as resilience (successful adaptation despite adversity) and coping abilities (strategies used to deal with stressful or threatening situations), are important determinants of disease outcomes and long-term sustained recovery. Published findings support the existence of a genetic background underlying resilience and coping, with variable heritability estimates. However, genome-wide analyses concerning the genetic determinants of these personal resources, especially in the context of schizophrenia, are lacking. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study coupled with accessory analyses to investigate potential genetic determinants of resilience, coping and self-esteem in 490 schizophrenia patients. Results revealed a complex genetic background partly overlapping with that of neuroticism, worry and schizophrenia itself and support the importance of social aspects in shapingthese psychological constructs. Hippocampal neurogenesis and lipid metabolism appear to be potentially relevant biological underpinnings, and specific miRNAs such as miR-124 and miR-137 may warrant further studies as potential biomarkers. In conclusion, this study represents an important first step in the identification of genetic and biological correlates shaping resilience, coping resources and self-esteem in schizophrenia.

Assessing Autistic Traits, Hikikomori Tendencies, Pathological Videogaming, and Eating Disorders in University Students: Are Pathological Videogaming and Eating Disorders Gender-Specific Manifestations of the Autism Spectrum?

In the previous literature, specific attention has been paid to investigate autism spectrum symptoms and traits in university students. In this framework, we aimed to evaluate the presence and correlates of autistic traits, hikikomori tendencies, altered eating behaviors, and pathological videogaming in a sample of Italian university students enrolled in bachelor's degree courses. A total of 1192 students were recruited via an online survey and assessed with the Hikikomori Questionnaire-25, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum Questionnaire, the Eating Attitude test-26, and the Assessment of Internet and Computer Game Addiction. Our results highlighted significant differences in the prevalence of autistic traits, social withdrawal tendencies, altered eating habits, and pathological videogame use in university students based on gender, age, parents' level of instruction, and field of study. A significant effect of the presence of autistic traits and gender on the scores obtained with the other questionnaires was reported. Our results not only support the role of autistic traits as a vulnerability factor for the development of a set of psychopathological conditions but also suggest that gender could modulate this vulnerability, supporting the hypothesis of gender-specific phenotypes in the autism spectrum.

Video Gaming in Older People: What Are the Implications for Cognitive Functions?

Mild cognitive impairment impacts a sizable segment of the older population, and often evolves into dementia within a few years. At this stage, subjects may benefit from non-pharmacological therapies that can delay or stop the progression of the mild cognitive impairment into dementia and are crucial for improvement in the subject's quality of life, while also being easily accessible and safe for use. Many research studies have shown that a variety of exercises, including cognitive training, have the potential to enhance or optimize cognitive function and general well-being. Recently, many authors have suggested video games as a promising approach for cognitive training and neurorehabilitation in older people, thanks to their increasing motivation and training effects through immersion in stimulating environments. Under this premise, our narrative review's objective is to discuss and summarize the body of existing material on the role of video games in improving cognitive performance, daily life activities, and depression symptoms in older individuals with different levels of cognitive decline. From the papers reviewed, it emerged that older subjects trained with video games showed a significant improvement in cognitive functions, sleep quality, and psychiatric symptoms, positioning video games as an intriguing and useful tool.

Platelet Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Specific Association with Autism Spectrum Psychopathology?

To date, although several studies have investigated the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only a few authors have addressed their evaluation in adults. Furthermore, an important limitation of these studies lies in the fact that circulating BDNF is stored in platelets and released into the circulation when needed. To the best of our knowledge, a very limited number of studies have related peripheral BDNF values to platelet counts, and yet no study has evaluated intra-platelet BDNF levels in adults with ASD. In this framework, the aim of the present work is to pave the way in this field and evaluate platelet BNDF levels in adult ASD patients, as well as their correlation with autistic symptoms and related psychopathological dimensions. We recruited 22 ASD and 22 healthy controls, evaluated with the Adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Social Anxiety Spectrum-self report (SHY-SR), the Trauma and loss spectrum-self report (TALS-SR), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mood Spectrum-self report for suicidality. Intra-platelet BDNF levels were also assessed. The results highlighted lower BDNF levels in the ASD group; moreover, AdAS Spectrum and WSAS total score as well as AdAS Spectrum Restricted interest and rumination, WSAS Private leisure activities, TALS-SR Arousal, and SHY-SR Childhood domains were significant negative predictors of platelet BDNF levels.

Case report: hikikomori syndrome in Italy and its link with autistic traits and internet gaming disorder.

During the last few decades, a growing field of literature is focusing on hikikomori, a phenomenon described as a form of pathological social withdrawal or social isolation that lasts for more than 6 months leading to significant functional impairment and/or distress. Despite initially considered a culture-bound syndrome, hikikomori syndrome later gained a wider recognition in different countries, ranging from an attempt to take refuge in an idealistic world, when society success' standards are not reached, to a maladaptive coping strategy complicating several psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders, major depression, internet addiction, internet gaming disorder (IGD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this framework, difficulties in social interaction, in problem solving strategies and socio-emotional reciprocity, may lead to social withdrawal and hikikomori-like behaviors. In this work, we described two cases of patients where the presence of underlying autism spectrum may have represented a sign of vulnerability towards the development of a possible full-blown case of hikikomori with IGD.

A reevaluation of mixed depressive states from the DSM-5- TR perspective: a series of prototypical cases.

Mixed depressive states are defined by the co-presence of depressive and manic symptoms. They represent extremely variable conditions from the point of view of clinical expressiveness and are difficult to recognize, ranging from clear schizophrenic-like psychoses and pseudodemented pictures to subsyndromal psychopathology. At the basis of the extreme variability of depressive pictures with mixed features are the different combinations that depressive and manic symptoms can assume. Furthermore, the intensity of depressive symptoms and manic symptoms, combined, can be variable, a factor that contributes to making the picture even more variable. Each form of mixed depressive state therefore presents its own specific symptomatic characteristics and specific difficulties in differential diagnosis and each form requires a different therapeutic strategy. In this work we have distinguished four possible specific subtypes of mixed depressive states, describing their specific clinical presentation and the therapeutic options most supported by the literature with the aim of contributing to a better recognition of mixed depressive states, to avoid incorrect diagnoses at patient and treatments that are useless if not worsening.

The relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and real-life functioning in schizophrenia: New insights from the multicenter study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses.

BACKGROUND: Although obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is highly prevalent in schizophrenia, its relationship with patients' real-life functioning is still controversial. METHODS: The present study aims at investigating the prevalence of OCD in a large cohort of non-preselected schizophrenia patients living in the community and verifying the relationship of OCD, as well as of other psychopathological symptoms, with real-life functioning along a continuum of OCD severity and after controlling for demographic variables. RESULTS: A sample of 327 outpatients with schizophrenia was enrolled in the study and collapsed into three subgroups according to OCD severity (subclinical, mild-moderate, severe). A series of structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to analyze in each subgroup the association of obsessive-compulsive symptoms with real-life functioning, assessed through the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale and the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. Moreover, latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to infer latent subpopulations. In the subclinical OCD group, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) were not associated with functioning, whereas in the mild-moderate OCD group, they showed a positive relationship, particularly in the domains of work and everyday life skills. The paucity of patients with severe OCD did not allow performing SEM analysis in this group. Finally, LPA confirmed a subgroup with mild-moderate OCS and more preserved levels of functioning. CONCLUSIONS: These findings hint at a positive association between mild-moderate OCD and real-life functioning in individuals with schizophrenia and encourage a careful assessment of OCD in personalized programs to sustain daily life activities.

Silent Infections are not So Silent: The Emerging Role of Combined Infections, Inflammation, and Vitamin Levels in OCD.

Objective: Recent evidence highlights that different agents may trigger immune-mediated processes involved in the pathophysiology of different neuropsychiatric conditions. Given the limited information on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the present study aimed at assessing current/past infections and plasma levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine and common peripheral inflammatory markers in a group of OCD outpatients. Method: The sample included 217 adult outpatients with an OCD diagnosis according to the DSM-5 criteria. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess the clinical phenotype and symptom severity. Laboratory blood tests measured levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood count and antibodies titers for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), Toxoplasma gondii and antistreptolysin titer. Results: Sixty-one patients had a previous EBV infection, 46 were seropositive for CMV IgG, 24 showed positive antistreptolysin titer, 14 were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii IgG, and four for CMV IgM. More than a half of patients showed vitamin D insufficiency. Compared to seronegative patients, patients with a past EBV infection displayed significantly higher scores on the Y-BOCS total score and compulsion subscale, and other symptoms. Vitamin D was negatively correlated with both the Y-BOCS total score and the subscales scores. Folic acid was negatively correlated with the Y-BOCS total and obsessions subscale score. Conclusions: The findings of our study show an association between Epstein-Barr infection and hypovitaminosis D and the overall severity and specific symptom patterns of OCD. The laboratory measures used in this study are useful, cheap and easy parameters that should be routinely assessed in patients with OCD. Further studies are needed to clarify their role in OCD pathophysiology and outcomes, as well as the potential therapeutic impact of vitamins and antibiotics/immunomodulatory agents in OCD and other psychiatric conditions.

Autistic Traits and Somatic Symptom Disorders: What Is the Link?

Alterations in sensory processing, a key component of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have recently attracted increasing attention as they result in peculiar responses to sensory stimuli, possibly representing a risk factor for the development of somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Contextually, other features also associated with ASD, such as alexithymia, camouflaging and altered verbal, and non-verbal communication, have been suggested to represent risk factors for the occurrence and worsening of somatic symptomatology. The aim of this work was to review the available literature about the association between SSD and the autism spectrum. The results highlighted not only a higher prevalence of autistic features in patients suffering from SSD and a higher prevalence of reported somatic symptomatology in subjects with ASD but also how ASD subjects with co-occurrent somatic symptoms exhibit more severe autism-linked symptomatology. From the paper reviewed also emerged many shared features between the two conditions, such as alexithymia, altered sensitivity to sensory stimuli, cognitive inflexibility, intolerance of uncertainty, and an increased risk of experiencing stressful life events, which may provide an explanation for the correlation reported. Even though studies on the topic are still scant, the evidence reported suggests the importance of further assessing the correlation between the two disorders.

Admixture Analysis of Age of Onset in Bipolar Disorder and Impact of Anxiety Comorbidity.

BACKGROUND:  The present study aimed to examine clinical differences between subjects with early-onset (<21 years) and adult-onset (>30 years) bipolar I disorder, in particular, in relation to anxiety comorbidity. METHOD: Subjects were selected from a cohort of 161 consecutive patients with bipolar disorder type I as diagnosed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorder (SCID-I). Clinical characteristics and axis I comorbidity were compared between those whose illness first emerged before the age of 21 years (n=58) and those whose first episode occurred after the age of 30 years (n=27). Psychopathology was assessed using the 18-item version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). The frequency of delusions, hallucinations, and formal thought disorders was evaluated with the SCID-I. Overall, social and occupational functioning was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). RESULTS: Most subjects with early-onset bipolar disorder were males, had panic disorder and substance abuse comorbidity, longer duration of illness, exhibited mood-incongruent delusions, and presented with a mixed episode at onset more frequently than the later adult-onset subjects. Mixed mania at the first episode of illness and lifetime panic disorder comorbidity predicted mixed polarity at the first hospitalization episode in the early-onset subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, early age at onset seems to delineate a distinct bipolar I disorder subtype characterized by a greater likelihood of mixed episodes, lifetime panic disorder comorbidity, and schizophrenia-like delusions.

Post-traumatic Stress and Depressive Symptoms in Women With Ovarian Cancer 3-6 Months After Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The potentially traumatic role of severe life-threatening medical conditions is still debated in psychiatry and not yet recognized, particularly among post-traumatic stress disorders. However, increasing evidence suggests the psychopathological impact of severe medical conditions related to their poor prognosis, high lethality, treatments heaviness and invasiveness. Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignancies with the highest mortality and the aim of this study was to investigate post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in women 3 to 6 months after diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sample of 83 women diagnosed with OC at different stages (from AI to IV) was recruited and assessed by means of the: Structural Clinical Interview for Mental Disorders according to DSM-5 (SCID-5), Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR), Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Mood Spectrum-Self Report (MOOD-SR), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). RESULTS: Full data on the psychiatric assessments were available for 45 patients: 13 (28.9%) patients reported a diagnosis of PTSD. Patients with PTSD reported statistically significant higher depressive symptoms and more severe impact on work and social functioning compared to those without PTSD. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the need to carefully assess the potentially traumatic burden of a diagnosis of OC and its association with depressive symptoms for their impact on patients' global functioning, in order to provide appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Autistic Traits as Predictors of Increased Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Severity: The Role of Inflexibility and Communication Impairment.

Due to similar manifestations, some authors have proposed a potential correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This link has long been recognized and debated, with some authors arguing that these disorders frequently occur comorbid but distinct while others believe they are part of the same spectrum. The aim of our study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of autistic traits in 55 OCD patients and 55 matched controls and to assess possible autistic dimensions predictive of higher OCD symptoms. All participants were assessed with the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum-Short Version (OBS-SV) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum). The OCD group scored significantly higher in both questionnaires. Total OBS-SV scores and domains were significantly correlated with all AdAS Spectrum domains and total score. The AdAS Spectrum total, Verbal Communication and Inflexibility and adherence to routine domain scores were significant positive predictors of higher OBS-SV scores. Lastly, when two clusters of subjects (high and low autism) were determined, Inflexibility and adherence to routine domain presented the greatest influence in forming the clusters. Our findings support the association between OCD and autistic traits in the adult population, supporting the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental basis for these psychiatric conditions.

Rethinking Clozapine: Lights and Shadows of a Revolutionary Drug.

The current literature globally highlights the efficacy of Clozapine in several psychiatric disorders all over the world, with an FDA indication for reducing the risk of repeated suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A growing field of research is also stressing a possible broader beneficial effect of Clozapine in promoting neuroprotection and neurotrophism. However, this drug is linked to several life-threatening side effects, such as agranulocytosis, myocarditis and seizures, that limit its use in daily clinical practice. For this work, a search was performed on PubMed using the terms "Clozapine indications", "Clozapine adverse effects", "Clozapine regenerative effects", and "Clozapine neuroplasticity" with the aim of reviewing the scientific literature on Clozapine's treatment indications, adverse effects and potential regenerative role. The results confirmed the efficacy of clozapine in clinical practice, although limited by its adverse effects. It appears crucial to raise awareness among clinicians about the potential benefits of using Clozapine, as well educating medical personnel about its risks and the early identification of possible adverse effects and their management.