Association of OXTR, AVPR1a, LNPEP, and CD38 Genes' Expression with the Clinical Presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interactions, communication, and behavior. Although the predominant genetic predisposition to ASD seems beyond doubt, its exact nature remains unclear. In the context of social cognition disorders and the basis of ASD, the oxytocinergic and vasopresynergic systems arouse great interest among researchers. The aim of the present study was to analyze gene expression levels for oxytocin and vasopressin receptors, as well as CD38 protein and oxytocinase, in the context of the clinical picture of autism spectrum disorders. The study included 90 people, of whom 63 were diagnosed with ASD based on anamnesis, mental status testing, and the ADOS-2 protocol. The results obtained in the presented study indicate that the balance between the levels of expression of the CD38 gene and the oxytocinase gene plays a key role in the risk and clinical presentation of ASD. In a hypothetical scenario, an imbalance in the expression of CD38 and LNPEP could potentially lead to alterations in the concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin. At the same time, the most frequently studied genes-AVPR1a and OXTR-seem to be at best of marginal importance for the risk of ASD.

Cognition, function, and prevalent dementia in centenarians and near-centenarians: An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of 18 studies.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on prevalence of dementia in centenarians and near-centenarians (C/NC), its determinants, and whether the risk of dementia continues to rise beyond 100. METHODS: Participant-level data were obtained from 18 community-based studies (N = 4427) in 11 countries that included individuals ≥95 years. A harmonization protocol was applied to cognitive and functional impairments, and a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 98.3 years (SD = 2.67); 79% were women. After adjusting for age, sex, and education, dementia prevalence was 53.2% in women and 45.5% in men, with risk continuing to increase with age. Education (OR 0.95;0.92-0.98) was protective, as was hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 0.51;0.35-0.74) in five studies. Dementia was not associated with diabetes, vision and hearing impairments, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). DISCUSSION: Among the exceptional old, dementia prevalence remains higher in the older participants. Education was protective against dementia, but other factors for dementia-free survival in C/NC remain to be understood.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms as Indicators of Fall Risk in Geriatric Inpatients.

Background and Objectives: It is well established that patients with cognitive impairment are at a higher risk of falls. However, the impact of coexisting neuropsychiatric symptoms on the overall risk of falls in hospitalized geriatric individuals with and without dementia has not been extensively studied. This cross-sectional study will assess the association between neuropsychiatric symptoms and fall risk in geriatric individuals analyzed by sex. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 patients, both with and without dementia, admitted to the geriatric ward at Leszek Giec Upper-Silesian Medical Centre of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland, between January 2019 and January 2020 were included in this study. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire was used to assess the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Increased fall risk was defined by Berg scores of ≤40. Results: The mean age of the study group was 80.7 ± 6.6, and women accounted for 62.8% of the study population. Apathy was the most common neuropsychiatric symptom, affecting 58.1% of patients, and it was the most common symptom among people with dementia, affecting 67.80% of patients. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that a high fall risk was significantly associated with the total number of neuropsychiatric symptoms (≥4) and the total intensity of these symptoms (≥6). For women, high fall risk was associated with three or more neuropsychiatric symptoms and a total neuropsychiatric symptom intensity score of at least 6. For men, the association of high fall risk with the total number of NPS was not significant; a total NPS intensity score of 10 or more was associated with high fall risk. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified associations with fall risk for hallucinations. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly hallucinations is associated with an increased risk of falls in geriatric inpatients. In addition, the cumulative total of NPS and their cumulative intensity are both independently associated with an increased risk of falls. These results suggest that fall prevention strategies should include the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in hospitalized geriatric individuals.

Sensitivity tailoring of an all-fiber bend sensor based on a dual-core fiber unbalanced Michelson interferometer.

In this work, a compact all-fiber bend sensor based on a dual-core microstructured optical fiber has been manufactured and characterized. The sensor relies on the unbalanced Michelson interferometric technique realized by attaching a piece of silica fiber to one of the fiber cores acting as the unbalancing element. Three probes with different lengths of the unbalancing element have been experimentally tested for sensitivity tailoring analysis. Additionally, a theoretical model has been developed for comparison and verification of the results. Good linear behavior of the spectral shift with bend has been measured and it has been proven that the sensitivity of the sensor depends on the length of the unbalancing element and the orientation of the cores. Higher sensitivities are achieved for shorter lengths of the unbalancing element and orientation of the core axis parallel to the bend direction. The highest sensitivity reported is 9.97 pm/µm for the case of 34 µm of unbalancing element and orientation of 0 degrees.

Longitudinal study on novel neuropeptides phoenixin, spexin and kisspeptin in adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa - association with psychiatric symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: It is hypothesized that novel neuropeptides such as phoenixin (PNX), spexin (SPX), and kisspeptin (KISS) are involved in the pathogenesis of eating disorders. The study presented here analyzed neuropeptide concentrations during the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) and aimed to correlate those values with anthropometric and psychometric measurements. METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried outin 30 AN adolescent patients and 15 age-matched healthy female controls. Selected neuroprotein serum levels were analyzed in malnourished patients (accAN) and following partial weight recovery (norAN), and these values were compared with the control group. RESULTS: In accAN patients, decreased serum PNX levels were detected while SPX serum concentrations were lower in the accAN and norAN patients. No differences were observed in KISS concentrations in all studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In malnourished adolescent inpatients with AN, serum PNX and SPX level were decreased. The partial weight recovery normalized PNX concentrations but failed to normalize SPX levels. Therefore these two neuropeptides might be crucial for the etiology and course of the AN. The KISS levels did not change in the course of AN. The PNX levels were associated with some symptoms of eating disorders which may indicate its potential contribution in the regulation of emotions and behaviors in AN.

Anticholinergic Burden of Geriatric Ward Inpatients.

Background and Objectives: Anticholinergic drug use in the pharmacotherapy of elderly persons is common despite the increased risk of side effects. We examined the prevalence of anticholinergic drug use and total anticholinergic drug burden among patients admitted to an acute care geriatric ward in Poland. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 329 subjects hospitalized at the geriatric ward. Patient condition was assessed with a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scale was used to estimate the total anticholinergic load. Results: Mean patient age was 79.61 ± 6.82 years. 40.73% of them were burdened with at least one anticholinergic drug. The clinically significant anticholinergic burden was observed in 13.98% of subjects. Patients with dementia, risk of falls, and severe disability had significantly higher total ACB scores compared to other groups. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve revealed that the total ACB score ≥ 1 was significantly associated with dementia and the risk of falls. Total ACB score ≥ 2 was significantly associated with severe disability. Conclusions: Patients admitted to an acute care geriatric ward had an anticholinergic cognitive burden score comparable to other patient populations. We found associations at both low and elevated levels of anticholinergic burden with dementia and risk of falls. At elevated anticholinergic burden levels, we found associations with severe disability. Despite recommendations against the use of anticholinergics in older adults these medications are still commonly prescribed. Further study is necessary to define the characteristics of anticholinergic medication most closely associated with negative outcomes in elderly populations.

Comorbidity of substance use and mental disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Comorbidity is a term defined as the presence of two or more conditions occurring either at the same time or having a close relationship to the same individual. World Health Organization (WHO) define it as the "co-occurrence in the same individual of a psychoactive substance use disorder and another psychiatric disorder". Progressive deinstitutionalisation, despite indisputable benefits and improvement of life quality in psychiatric patients, resulted in appearance of new burdens, such as deterioration of family life. Furthermore, wide availability of alcoholic beverages and drugs in communities where the patients live, led comorbid substance abuse disorders to emerge as one of the biggest challenges in the modern psychiatry. There is a limited amount of data concerning the background of the patients with a dual diagnosis, available in the literature, and therefore our aim was to create a sociodemographic profile of such individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among the patients treated in a drug rehabilitation centre of the Upper Silesian Association "Familia" in Gliwice, Poland using authors' own questionnaire, consisting of 75 items. The study group consisted of 9 females and 91 males (n=100), average age of the patients equalled 29.7 years (95%CI: 28.5-31 years; min/max value: 20/48 years), all the patients had an established dual diagnosis. OUTCOMES: 66% of the study group was single, with permanent residency, living with family either in city (47%) or in village (19%). Remaining 34% was spread through the other options (1-4%), with the highest percentage in "single, with permanent residency, living alone in the city" (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Obtained data, demonstrated high homogeneity among the patients with a dual diagnosis in terms of a socio-demographical profile.

Analysis of facial expressions in patients with schziophrenia, in comparison with a healthy control - case study.

INTRODUCTION: Deficits in area of communication, crucial for maintaining proper social bonds, may have a prominent adverse impact on quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Social exclusion, lack of employment and deterioration of family life, may be consequences of aggravated social competencies, caused by inability to properly exhibit and interpret facial expressions. Although this phenomenon is known since first clinical descriptions of schizophrenia, lack of proper methodology limited our knowledge in this area. Aim of our study was to compare facial expressivity of the patient with schizophrenia, and the healthy individual. METHODS: 47-years old patient suffering from schizophrenia, and 36-years old healthy individual were invited to participate in our study. They underwent the examination in Human Facial Modelling Lab in Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology in Bytom (Silesia, Katowice). Both participants were presented with two video materials, first one contained different facial expressions, which they had to imitate. Second one a part of comedy show, during which spontaneous reactions were recorded. Acquisition of facial expressions was conducted with marker-based technology of modelling. Obtained data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: An overall facial expression intensity, expressed as an average value of distances traveled by markers during shifts from neutral position was higher in case of a healthy participant during both part of the study. The difference was especially visible in case of an upper half of the face. Utilization of marker-based methods in analysis of human facial expressions seem to be reliable and remarkably accurate.

Social attitude towards mentally ill in comparison to experts' opinions.

BACKGROUND: In modern psychiatry, deinstitutionalization of mentally ill became an essential part of improving state of being of those affected. Integration in community, despite obvious benefits, led to increase in social distance and rejection towards mentally ill. Social stigma affects different life domains of those afflicted, and therefore it is crucial to introduce methods to deal with it. Our objective was to assess and compare psychiatrists' and public attitudes and beliefs about mentally ill people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparison of two samples, one including 107 psychiatrists and second including 708 individuals of the general population. Obtained outcomes were collated with similar studies available in literature. OUTCOMES: The psychiatrists' attitude was more positive in comparison to the general population. Both groups agree that programs raising public awareness are important, and should be intensified. 41% of general population and 13% of respondents from experts' group think of negative associations with mentally ill. CONCLUSIONS: Conception of utilizing mental health experts as the opinion leaders should be carefully thought through. Although awareness of social distance and stigma improved both among psychiatrists and general population since 2005 (Wciorka & Wciorka 2006, Lauber 2004), still there are areas that needs enhancement. Fear present in both groups, probably caused by inter allia image of mental illness in news reports (Angermeyer 2001), is one of such areas.

Implementation of the MOTEK CAREN system in behavioural therapy for patients with anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is becoming a more and more popular treatment method for patients suffering from anxiety disorders. One of the VRET methods, wchich could be used for this group of patients is MOTEK CAREN system, however, so far no studies have been published on its implementation in psychiatric disorders. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Presented here is a case of a 45 year old woman suffering from anxiety disorders, who underwent a series of four subsequent trainings with the use of MOTEK CAREN system repeted once a week. Data from the system were collected on the work of muscles, joints, reactions of the ground, etc. Blood pressure, pulse and salivary cortisol level were measured before and after each training. The level of state and trait anxiety was each time measured with the STAI inventory. RESULTS: The changes of the values of heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol suggest that all trainings we stressful events for the patients, as they were not observed in the control session. But the gradual decrease in the levels of salivary cortisol and axiety as state after subsequent trainings may be signs of a gradual adaptation of the patient to the stressful situation. A lower cadence during the trainings compared to the control session was observed, however the speed of the cadence increased with each session. CONCLUSIONS: Ttrainings with the MOTEK CAREN system can be promising in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Of course in order to draw more evidence based conclusions this observations must be confirmed on a larger sample of patients.

Evaluation of the cortisol concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) plays a pivotal role in response to a range of external and internal factors often described as a "stress". Growing evidence in a literature, suggest various dysregulations of HPAA, in course of numerous mental disorders. Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder seem to have elevated basal cortisol secretion, what might be caused by the diminution of glucocorticoid receptors' amount. It was of the interest if the cortisol concentrations in patients with diagnosed schizophrenia who underwent treatment, differs from healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of participants were included into the study. First group (study) consisted of 10 patients with diagnosed schizophrenia and control group which included 38 healthy individuals. Study was divided into two stages, first one (pilot) included only control group, and utilized cortisol concentrations measurement from saliva, blood and 24h urine sample. Second part (main study) involved both groups although focused on a salivary cortisol concentrations. RESULTS: A mean salivary cortisol concentration in patients with schizophrenia who underwent treatment was significantly lower in comparison with healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results indicate that patients who underwent a treatment, and does not present notable clinical signs of schizophrenia may have moderately lowered levels of salivary cortisol. This may be a reflection of relenting psychotic symptoms as well as a direct effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs on a HPA axis activity.

Influence of selected factors on development the students' of the biological sciences faculties bioethical attitudes towards experimental animal studies.

BACKGROUND: Although it may help to widen our knowledge, conducting experiments with use of animals, is very controversial, especially since the most recent technology enables us to significantly avoid their use. Currently, the European directives require researchers to reduce the using of animals in scientific experiments, but some studies suggest awareness of the problem is still insufficient. Thanks to examining students' attitude towards conducting scientific experiments on animals the authors wanted to discover and mark the most significant factors that might have impact on moulding students' opinions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 217 subjects participated in the study. They were students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Silesian Medical University in Katowice and students of the Biology & Biotechnology Faculty at the University of Silesia. A proprietary questionnaire sent via the Internet was used. The authors created specific ratios and numeral 5-grade Likert-type scale showing the behavioural, cognitive and affective component of the respondents' attitudes on the issue being studied. It contained among other things the questions such as granting animals personality, consciousness, and the right to life. The method used allowed the investigators to show the general trends of all the studied responses and therefore the compilation of results. RESULTS: The study showed that the attitude of respondents on studied subject undergoes some changes related to gender. Furthermore, the results did not depend with statistical significance on previous experience in conducting such experiments, religious belief of respondent, his or her parents type and level of education. It also showed the that students had little knowledge about current animal protection law and alternative methods to animal research. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the complexity and multiplicity of factors influencing the attitudes of bioethics and point to the need to deepen our knowledge in the studied area.

Factors influencing the levels of work engagement in physicians from Poland, Serbia and Bulgaria.

INTRODUCTION: Lowered work engagement and burnout are a growing problem in recent years, especially among physicians. Cynicism, lack of energy and decreased efficacy may lead to the occurrence of severe depression. These phenomena influence almost every aspect of affected person's life, both professional and extraprofessional, and decrease its quality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of family life and other factors on levels of work engagement and risk of depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study was conducted on a group of 417 physicians from Poland, Serbia and Bulgaria using a paper questionnaire. The collected data was subjected to statistical analyses using Statsoft Statistica v. 10.0 software. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between work engagement and sex or age. The highest score on work engagement was in Serbia (m=4.41; Mann-Whitney's U test with p<0.05). The highest score of BDI was in Bulgaria (m=14.73; Mann-Whitney's U test with p<0.05). There was no significant correlation exceeding r=0.5 between UWES and SWING scales. WHI+/WHI- ratio correlates significantly with a BDI scale (Spearman's r=-0.49; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Family life of physicians seem to have minor or even no influence on their work engagement and risk of burnout. The negative influence of work on family life may increase the risk of depression, and that effect is not susceptible to either positive or negative interactions of family life with work. The country with the lowest expenditure on a healthcare have also the lowest levels of work engagement.

A Global Approach to Modeling Injection Molding.

A problem of modeling plastic injection forming (molding) is presented, including both the plasticizing system of the injection-forming machine and the mold. When modeling the plastic flow in the mold, the input quantities are essentially unknown, e.g., the plastic melt temperature. Thus, a comprehensive (global) model of the injection-forming process is needed for the flow in the plasticizing system and in the mold. The process output quantities from the plasticizing system will be the input quantities for the mold. When modeling the plastic flow in the injection-forming machine, a comprehensive approach should be applied to consider the solid material conveying, material plasticizing, and the material melt flow. The model of material plasticizing is a basis for building such global models. In this research, the effect of the flow (including plasticizing) in the injection-forming machine on the flow in the mold is studied by simulation (using Moldex3D 2023R3OR 64-bit software) and experimentation. These studies are carried out for the injection forming of selected material using a specialized spiral mold. Simulations performed with the use of Moldex3D software for the plasticizing system significantly improved the accuracy of the simulation of the flow in the mold. However, the best results were obtained using experimental data (plastic melt temperature) as input quantities for mold filling simulations. The novel concepts of injection-forming process modeling based on our previous experimentations are also discussed.

Antidepressant Efficacy in Managing Nonspecific Chronic Lower Back Pain Among Older Adults: A Review.

This review evaluates the use of antidepressants in older patients for the treatment of nonspecific chronic lower back pain (LBP), emphasizing age-related physiological changes and common degenerative conditions in this age group. We conducted a comprehensive search targeting studies on antidepressant use in older patients with LBP. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, while effective for mood regulation, show limited benefits for LBP. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, particularly duloxetine, demonstrate potential in managing LBP, though further research is needed to confirm these findings. Tricyclic antidepressants have shown potential for pain relief, with limited evidence for LBP, but have a substantial side effect profile, including cardiotoxicity, weight gain, and severe anticholinergic effects. The evidence for trazodone in the treatment of LBP is limited. When prescribing new medications for older adults, it is crucial to carefully consider the patient's overall health, potential drug interactions, and sensitivity to side effects, ensuring that the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. This review underscores the need for further research to understand the long-term effects and benefits of antidepressants in older patients with LBP, aiming to balance pain relief, mood stabilization, and minimized side effects.

First onset of persistent neutropenia in patient undergoing long-term clozapine treatment after vaccination against COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in short interval - a case report. / Pierwszorazowa uporczywa neutropenia u pacjenta przewlekle leczonego klozapina po szczepieniu przeciwko COVID-19, krótko poprzedzajacym infekcje wirusem SARS-CoV-2 ­ opis przypadku.

Clozapine is one of the most effective antipsychotic drugs, but its use is limited due to the possibility of severe side effects, such as neutropenia and agranulocytosis. The risk of these complications is the highest at the beginning of the treatment, but they can occur later, particularly when additional risk factors are present. In the described case, either COVID-19 vaccination or the infection itself led to severe neutropenia, which recurred during subsequent independent trials of other antipsychotic drugs. The paper presents the case of a 23-year-old woman diagnosed with early-onset, treatment-resistant schizophrenia who had been undergoing clozapine treatment with satisfying outcome for over 10 years. A week after the first dose of an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, the patient developed a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and experienced an extreme neutropenia, followed by a change of treatment. Although the patient fully recovered from the infection, the re-stabilization of her mental state remained unsatisfactory. The introduction of various newly implemented antipsychotic drugs led to partial improvement or another decline in the neutrophil count, despite discontinuing the use of clozapine. The authors discuss a few possible pathomechanisms. Based on our current knowledge, this is the first reported case of persistent neutropenia triggered by various antipsychotic drugs following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens.

Does the clinical picture of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population depend on sex?

BACKGROUND: In the current literature the influence of sex on the clinical presentation of the bipolar disorder (BD) in adults has been indicated. It was of the interest whether such a phenomenon is also present in the pediatric population. METHODS: The authors collected retrospective clinical data in 288 patients hospitalized on the psychiatry ward aged 10-17 years; 80.2 % females and 19.8 % males. RESULTS: No sex differences were observed in the age of onset, the time from the onset of symptoms to the diagnosis of BD, the number of symptoms during hospital stay, or family history of psychiatric disorder (U Mann-Whitney's p > 0.05). In males the most frequently recorded first episode of BD was mania or hypomania (51 %), and in females, a depressive episode (51 %). The main reason for the hospitalization in boys was episodes of mania (63 %), then mixed episodes (30 %), and depression (7 %). Whereas girls were most often hospitalized due to mixed episodes (52 %), less frequently depression (22 %), and mania (26 %). Co-morbid psychiatric disorders were found more often in boys than in girls (63 % vs 45 %; χ2p-value>0.05). The co-occurrence of the dissocial personality, borderline, tic disorders, pervasive developmental disorders and hyperkinetic disorders was different in both sexes. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of the study are the very high proportion of female subjects and the retrospective character of the study. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the clinical presentation of BD in the pediatric population can somewhat depend on the sex of the patients.

The clinical picture of bipolar affective disorders in children and adolescents hospitalized at the psychiatric ward in Sosnowiec. / Obraz kliniczny zaburzen afektywnych dwubiegunowych u dzieci i mlodziezy hospitalizowanych w oddziale psychiatrii w Sosnowcu.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical picture of bipolar affective disorders (BD) in children and adolescents hospitalized at the Clinical Ward of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DAPP) in Sosnowiec, Poland. METHODS: Documentation analysis of 288 BD patients below 18 years of age. Detailed clinical and demographic data were collected and symptoms present during hospitalization were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of illness onset was 13.6 ± 1.7 years. A total of 86.5% of the studied individuals received a first diagnosis different from BD/mania, and the average time until the proper diagnosis was 16.9 months. In 45.5% the first episode was depression with varied severity, in 29.2% a mixed episode and in 25.3% mania/hypomania. In 48.6% comorbid disorders were present. The most frequent reason for hospitalization was a mixed episode (47.6%). Among the symptoms, irritability was observed in over 80% of patients with mania or mixed episodes, but also in 60% of patients with depression. Suicidal thoughts were experienced by almost all the depression patients, 84.7% in the mixed episode and also 52.6% in mania/hypomania episode. Anxiety was mostly present in depression (40.7%) and mixed episode (22.6%), while moodcongruent delusions in depression and mania (around 20% of cases). Aggressive behaviours were manifested in around half of patients with mania and a mixed episode. CONCLUSIONS: In the studied population of children and adolescents, BD usually started with a depression episode accompanied by a high rate of comorbid disorders and in most cases there was an original misdiagnosis. Study results also point to a significant frequency of some pathological symptoms in this population.

Alexithymia as a Risk Factor for an Internet Addiction in Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The aim of the study is to investigate the association of alexithymia with Internet addiction and autism spectrum disorders among adolescents and young adults. The links between alexithymia, ASD and other mental disorders are still a largely unexplored topic in psychiatry. An intriguing question is to what extent alexithymia can be a component of the clinical picture of ASD, and to what extent it is an independent phenomenon often co-occurring with ASD. The study group consisted of young Poles aged 11 to 35 (n = 229), including women (n = 167; 73%), men (n = 53; 23%) and non-binary people (n = 9; 4%). The following questionnaires were used in the Polish validated version as screening tools and shared online: AQ (Autism Quotient), TAS-20 (Toronto Alexithymia Scale), IAT (Internet Addiction Test). Among the subjects, 15 people admitted that they had received an official diagnosis of ASD, while 26 people showed a significantly increased severity of autistic traits on the AQ questionnaire. People with ASD who also exhibit alexithymia features are certainly more prone to problematic use of the Internet. In contrast, such a risk in people with ASD without alexithymia is comparable to the general population.

Relationship of autistic traits and the severity of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and to detect a possible correlation between the autistic traits and the level of fear and to learn about other factors that may affect the level of fear. Methods: The study utilised a questionnaire and was conducted online in the period from 16.02.2021 to 11.06.2021. The test group consisted of 214 respondents with an average age of 23.78 years (95%CI: 22.48 - 25.08; max: 61, min: 14) from the general population. The study used The Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire to assess the degree of autistic traits in the general population and The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, which was used to assess the level of fear of COVID-19. Results: Among the respondents, 9 people scored ≥32 on the AQ test and were considered to have a high degree of autistic traits. In multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p<0.0001), a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the autistic traits (p=0.01) and age (p<0.001) was obtained. Additionally, a second multiple regression (R2 = 0.1, p<0.000001) including the subscales of AQ was performed and a positive relationship between the severity of fear of COVID-19 and the difficulties in attention switching (p=0.0004) and age (p=0.00001) was obtained. Conclusion: People with higher autistic traits present greater fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that it might be caused by cognitive stiffness and disorders in emotions regulation, according to the literature. The elderly also present higher levels of fear. The other variables did not affect the level of fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.