Asperger syndrome
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Introduction
One of the autistic spectrum disorders; high-functioning autism. To be integrated with autistic spectrum disorder in DSM5.
Genetics
- mutations in gene for neuroligin 4 (X-linked)
- mutations in gene for neuroligin 3 (X-linked) Cinical manifestations:
- inability to understand how to interact socially
- commonly recognized after the age of 3
- NOT associated with marked early language delay (in contrast with autism)
- clumsy & uncoordinated motor movements
- limited interests or unusual preoccupations
- repetitive routines or rituals
- speech & language peculiarities
- non-verbal communication problems
- most have few facial expressions
- many have excellent rote memory
- may become intensely interested in one or two subjects (sometimes to the exclusion of other topics)
- may talk at length about a favorite subject
- may repeat a word or phrase many times
- tend to be self-absorbed
- have difficulty making friends
- preoccupied with their own interests
Complications
- increased risk for development of
- psychosis
- mood disorders
- depression
- increased risk of suicidal ideation in adults (RR=10)[3]
- anxiety
- depression
- Adam Lanza, who fatally shot his mother followed by 20 children and 6 staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012 in Newtown Connecticut had been previously diagnosed with Asperger syndrome
Management
- no specific course of treatment or cure
- intranasal oxytocin 24 IU (frequency ?) may improve social interaction & eye contact[1]
- psychotherapy
- parent education & training
- behavioral modification
- social skills training
- educational interventions
- pharmaceutical agent for specific behavioral symptoms
Prognosis:
- children have a better outlook than those with other forms of pervasive developmental disorders
- most cases, patients continue to demonstrate difficulties in social interactions
More general terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Andari E et al. Promoting social behavior with oxytocin in high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010 Mar 2; 107:4389 <PubMed> PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20160081 <Internet> http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0910249107
- ↑ Stump S Adam Lanza's father: I wish he had never been born. Today News. March 10, 2014 http://www.today.com/news/adam-lanzas-father-wishes-he-could-go-back-time-prevent-2D79346468?GT=43001
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cassidy S et al Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger's syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry, Early Online Publication, 25 June 2014 <PubMed> PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26360578 <Internet> http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(14)70248-2/abstract
- ↑ NINDS Asperger Syndrome Information Page https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Asperger-Syndrome-Information-Pagem
Patient information
Asperger syndrome patient information