Lowered DHEA-S plasma levels in adult individuals with autistic disorder.
The aim of this study was to determine for the first time neurosteroid levels, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) in particular, in a group of adult patients with autistic disorder and compare these levels with normal healthy individuals. Levels of DHEA, DHEA-S and cortisol were compared between 15 adult drug-free patients with autistic disorder and 13 healthy controls. The Ritvo-Freeman Real-Life Rating Scale (RLRS) and the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS) were assessed as a measure of symptom severity. Significant lower DHEA-S levels were observed in the group with autistic disorder as compared to controls (p < 0.05). DHEA-S levels appear to be low in patients with autistic disorder and, while speculative, may play a role in the etiopathophysiology of the disorder.
Strous
Rael D
RD
Beer Yaakov Mental Health Center, Beer Yaakov, Israel.
Golubchik
Pavel
P
Maayan
Rachel
R
Mozes
Tamar
T
Tuati-Werner
Dafna
D
Weizman
Abraham
A
Spivak
Baruch
B
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D006854:Hydrocortisone