Autism Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Interventions
Not applicable.
Sponsors
Stichting Rivierduinen
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Patients only, for controls this is an exclusion criterion, see below). 2. Age: 18-30 years.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Healthy controls only) 2. Autism Spectrum Disorder due to a known organic disorder (*Syndromal ASD*, e.g., due to Fragile X syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, 22q11 deletion syndrome). 3. Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy) or evidence of brain damage. 4. History of meningitis. 5. Intellectual disability (IQ50mg), but last use has been more than 6 months ago. 12. Current use of ADHD medication (e.g. methylphenidate). Individuals who have stopped using these drugs for at least one year can participate in the study. 13. Current use of benzodiazepine or promethazine, unless last use has been more than 1 month ago. 14. Current use of other psychotropic drugs. Individuals who have stopped using the drugs for at least 3 months can participate in the study. 15. Smoking during the period of three hours prior to the PET/CT scan and eating or using caffeinated drinks during the period of six hours prior to the PET/CT-scan. 16. Participation in a scientific examination where radiation was used, in the last year. 17. Positive urine drug screen on the day of the PET/CT scan. Participants will be tested on cannabis, amphetamine, XTC, cocaine and opiates. 18. In women: positive pregnancy test on the day of the PET/CT scan and lactation. 19. Metal objects in or around the body.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Parameters for the first main objective (1a): [18F]DOPA influx (Ki) value and Degree of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) in patients with ASD. Parameter for the second main objective (1b): [18F]DOPA influx (Ki) value in patients with ASD and healthy control participants. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Secondary study parameters are other self-report approximations of social defeat, used in the secondary objectives 2a and 2b: 1. Degree of ostracism (OES-A). 2. Extent of perceived informal support (ISEL) 3. The desire for acceptance and belonging (Need to belong scale) 4. Degree of exposure to bullying before age 17 (Amended bullying questionnaire) 5. Size of social network (LSNS) 6. Degree of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) The number of sub-clinical psychotic experiences are measured using the PQ-16 (objective 2d). Other parameters include covariates that might influence dopamine synthesis: age, sex, smoking status. Additionally, we will explore the possible confounding effects of factors that might influence dopamine synthesis and/or social exclusion, such as ADHD symptoms (ADHD Rating Scale-IV), socioeconomic status (BSMSS), childhood trauma (JTV), depression (BDI-II), and anxiety (STAI-T). | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed