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Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and deviations in brain structure and connectivity are seen in these disorders. Here, we explore the effects of a potent immunomodulatory treatment on neuroimaging. In a pilot study of rituximab treatment in schizophrenia and OCD, a subgroup (n = 13) underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging before and 5 months after treatment, to study longitudinal changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM).A hypothesis-free exploratory whole-brain analysis was performed twice to assess changes in rsFC, using anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula, posterior insula and nucleus accumbens as seed regions. There were significant interactions (diagnosis x time) in connectivity between right posterior insula and two clusters encompassing basal ganglia and anterior frontal pole, and between left anterior insula and a cluster in basal ganglia, where connectivity decreased in OCD and increased in schizophrenia. The increase of connectivity after rituximab, between left anterior insula and parts of cerebellum and lingual gyrus and between left posterior insula and parts of cerebellum, correlated with improved global psychosocial functioning according to the Personal and Social Performance Scale, especially in schizophrenia. VBM analysis identified two clusters with increased grey matter volumes (GMV) after rituximab, one in right insula overlapping one of the seed regions with significant rsFC changes. This pilot study implies that rituximab may influence both brain structure and connectivity and that GMV changes and rsFC changes are regionally associated.

Abstract Background The role of inflammation in the aetiology of schizophrenia has gained wide attention and research on the association shows an exponential growth in the last 15 years. Autoimmune diseases and severe infections are risk factors for the later development of schizophrenia, elevated inflammatory markers in childhood or adolescence are associated with a greater risk of schizophrenia in adulthood, individuals with schizophrenia have increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to healthy controls, and autoimmune diseases are overrepresented in schizophrenia. However, treatments with anti-inflammatory agents are so far of doubtful clinical relevance. The primary objective of this study is to test whether the monoclonal antibody rituximab, directed against the B-cell antigen CD20 ameliorates psychotic symptoms in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and to examine potential mechanisms. A secondary objective is to examine characteristics of inflammation-associated psychosis and to identify pre-treatment biochemical characteristics of rituximab responders. A third objective is to interview a subset of patients and informants on their experiences of the trial to obtain insights that rating scales may not capture. Methods A proof-of-concept study employing a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled design testing the effect of B-cell depletion in patients with psychosis. 120 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) (ICD-10 codes F20, F25) will receive either one intravenous infusion of rituximab (1000 mg) or saline. Psychiatric measures and blood samples will be collected at baseline, week 12, and week 24 post-infusion. Brief assessments will also be made in weeks 2 and 7. Neuroimaging and lumbar puncture, both optional, will be performed at baseline and endpoints. Approximately 40 of the patients and their informants will be interviewed for qualitative analyses on the perceived changes in well-being and emotional qualities, in addition to their views on the research. Discussion This is the first RCT investigating add-on treatment with rituximab in unselected SSD patients. If the treatment is helpful, it may transform the treatment of patients with psychotic disorders. It may also heighten the awareness of immune-psychiatric disorders and reduce stigma. Trial registration NCT05622201, EudraCT-nr 2022–000220-37 version 2.1. registered 14th of October 2022.

IntroductionTattoos and piercings are associated with impulsive and risk-taking personality traits, which are also common along the ADHD continuum. However, studies on ADHD and body modification are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association between body modification and subclinical ADHD symptom severity and to investigate if body modification can serve as an indication for ADHD examination.MethodsA total of 762 adults (529 women and 233 men) without a diagnosis of ADHD completed the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and answered questions concerning body modification. Two different ASRS versions were utilized: the 18-item ASRS Symptom Checklist and the 6-item ASRS Screener. Three categorizations of body modifications were analyzed: (i) having at least one tattoo, (ii) having at least one piercing other than ear piercing, and (iii) the combination of simultaneously having at least one tattoo and one piercing. Mean 18-item ASRS total and subscale scores and the proportion of positive results on the 6-item ASRS Screener were compared between those with and those without body modifications while adjusting for covariates age and sex. Additional analyses were performed for ≥2 and ≥3 body modifications.ResultsIn our cohort, 26% had a tattoo, 14% had a piercing other than ear piercing, and 8% had a combination of tattoo and piercing. Having any kind of body modification was associated with more pronounced symptoms of ADHD and with a cutoff score on the ASRS screener indicating ADHD. Whereas, the effect sizes were small for tattoos, medium to large effect sizes were seen for ≥2 piercings in the ASRS. Moreover, moderately strong associations emerged for ≥1 piercing and a positive ASRS screening result.ConclusionOur results suggest that acquiring a body modification, especially a tattoo, is entering the mainstream in Sweden. Correspondingly, differences in subclinical ADHD symptomatology between non-clinical adults with and without body modifications are subtle. Having ≥2 piercings other than ear piercings, on the other hand, is associated with clinically relevant differences in ADHD symptoms. Moreover, piercing status may serve as an indicator, among others, for further ADHD assessments. However, more research is needed to ascertain the possible signaling functions of body modifications in clinical settings.

Background: The increased prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses in combination with psychiatric comorbidity, has led to an increased need for effective interventions. The evidence for internet-based interventions for several mental health problems is established but has not been evaluated for adults with ASD. Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the feasibility and effects of an internet-based intervention targeting quality of life and psychiatric symptoms (depression and anxiety) in adults with ASD. Methods: 84 participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 42) or control (n = 42). The 18-week internet-based intervention covered a range of themes related to difficulties common in ASD, and exercises based on cognitive behavioral strategies. Participants were provided with individual feedback following each module and were invited to regular chat sessions with peer participants. The primary outcomes were subjective quality of life and sense of coherence, and secondary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety. All outcomes were measured at five occasions and analysed with linear mixed effect models. Participant satisfaction and adherence was also analysed. Results: Participant satisfaction and adherence was satisfactory but no significant interaction between group and time was found for any outcome measure. Autistic traits were negatively related to quality of life and sense of coherence and positively related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: This internet-based intervention showed feasibility regarding adherence and participant satisfaction. However, no significant effects on quality of life, sense of coherence or psychiatric symptoms were found, likely due to limitations in the design and methodology of this specific trial in combination to the heterogeneity of the group. Individuals with ASD may require interventions that are flexible and individually tailored in regard to both format, content and therapeutic support. The current trial provides useful information and suggestions for the future research on internet-based interventions for ASD.

Abstract Introduction Psychiatric disorders are common and significantly impact the quality of life. Inflammatory processes are proposed to contribute to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. In addition to inflammation, disturbances in metabolic pathways have been observed in individuals with different psychiatric disorders. A suggested key player in the interaction between inflammation and metabolism is the Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and NLRP3 is known to react to a number of specific metabolites. However, little is known about the interplay between these immunometabolites and the NLRP3 inflammasome in mental health disorders. Aim To assess the interplay between immunometabolites and inflammasome function in a transdiagnostic cohort of individuals with severe mental disorders. Methods Mass spectrometry-based analysis of selected immunometabolites, previously known to affect inflammasome function, were performed in plasma from low-functioning individuals with severe mental disorders (n = 39) and sex and aged-matched healthy controls (n = 39) using a transdiagnostic approach. Mann Whitney U test was used to test differences in immunometabolites between psychiatric patients and controls. To assess the relationship between inflammasome parameters, disease severity, and the immunometabolites, Spearman’s rank-order correlation test was used. Conditional logistic regression was used to control for potential confounding variables. Principal component analysis was performed to explore immunometabolic patterns. Results Among the selected immunometabolites (n = 9), serine, glutamine, and lactic acid were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls. After adjusting for confounders, the differences remained significant for all three immunometabolites. No significant correlations were found between immunometabolites and disease severity. Conclusion Previous research on metabolic changes in mental disorders has not been conclusive. This study shows that severely ill patients have common metabolic perturbations. The changes in serine, glutamine, and lactic acid could constitute a direct contribution to the low-grade inflammation observed in severe psychiatric disorders.

Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizotypal personality disorder can be difficult to distinguish. Deficits in social relationships and social interaction, present in both conditions, are known to impair quality of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate if schizotypal symptoms affect quality of life among adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and to study the association between schizotypy and autistic traits among them. Methods Participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (n = 110) completed questionnaires exploring schizotypy (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised (SPQ-BR)), autistic traits (The Ritvo Autism, Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised Screen 14 items), anxiety and depression (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) and quality of life (Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale and the European quality of life index version 5D). Results Schizotypy was found to be associated with anxiety, depressive and autistic symptoms, and poor quality of life. Although schizotypy was a predictor for impaired quality of life, this relationship was mediated by symptoms of anxiety and depression, plausibly inherent to autism. Autistic traits were positively associated with all higher order constructs of the SPQ-BR, i.e. positive and negative schizotypy, disorganization and social anxiety, as well as with poor quality of life. Conclusions There is considerable overlap between schizotypy and autism that needs to be considered in research. Prominent schizotypal traits in people with ASD may constitute an endophenotype coinciding with a particularly poor quality of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03570372 : Internet-based Treatment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (MILAS).

Abstract Background The conventional way to identify generalised joint hypermobility is by a physical examination according to the Beighton Score. However, a physical examination is time-consuming in clinical practise and may be unfeasible in population-based studies. The self-assessment five-part questionnaire on hypermobility (5PQ) offers a more practicable way to identify GJH. The aim of this study was to test validity and reliability of the five-part questionnaire on hypermobility (5PQ) translated into Swedish on a non-clinical adult population. Methods A structured procedure was used for the translation of the 5PQ into Swedish. The Beighton Score was used as reference standard for generalised joint hypermobility. Test-retest reliability was tested in a separate group who filled in the questionnaire twice with a ten-week interval. Participants consisted of a convenience sample recruited in Stockholm, Sweden (2017). Results A total of 328 participants were included in the study, 297 participants in the validity group and 31 participants in the reliability group. When evaluated against a present Beighton Score with an age-dependent cut-off, the Swedish 5PQ attained a sensitivity of 91%, a specificity of 75% and an area under the curve of 0.87. The Swedish 5PQ showed substantial to almost perfect test-retest reliability. Conclusions The Swedish 5PQ is a valid and reliable instrument to screen for or to identify generalised joint hypermobility.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) share a number of clinical manifestations including proprioceptive impairment, motor difficulties, sensory hypersensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinical observations suggest that GJH is overrepresented in ASD. However, there are currently few systematic studies available. Knowledge about comorbidities may unfold common aetiopathological pathways underlying the association and improve the clinical management. The aim of this large, cross-sectional comparative study is to evaluate the relationship between ASD and GJH in adults. Data on joint hypermobility, symptoms associated with both hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric rating scales for ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and socio-demographics was collected for 199 individuals with ASD and 419 non-ASD community controls. Logistic regression models adjusting for covariates (age, sex, ethnicity) revealed a significant relationship between ASD and GJH and between ASD and symptomatic GJH, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.9, 5.2; p < 0.001) and 4.9 (95% CI: 2.6, 9.0; p < 0.001), respectively. However, the high prevalence of comorbid ADHD in the study sample reduces the generalizability of the results among individuals with ASD without comorbid ADHD. Possibly, an additional ADHD phenotype is the primary driver of the association between ASD and GJH. Furthermore, GJH with additional self-reported symptoms, suggestive of HSD/hEDS, showed a stronger association with ASD than did non-specified GJH, indicating that symptomatic GJH plays a greater role in the relationship than non-specified GJH does. Therefore, the current study underscores the need of careful sample subclassifications. ASD with GJH may represent a novel subgroup of ASD in terms of aetiopathology and clinical presentation. Future research should elucidate the aetiological factors behind the association between ASD and GJH and evaluate how the comorbidity of GJH affects ASD outcomes.

Background: Individuals with generalised joint hypermobility (GJH, present in 10–20% of the general population) are at increased risk of being diagnosed with a range of psychiatric and rheumatological conditions. It is unknown whether Paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), characterised by childhood onset obsessive-compulsive disorder or restricted eating and typically associated with several comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms, is associated with GJH. It is also unknown whether extensive psychiatric comorbidity is associated with GJH.Method: This is a case-control study including 105 participants. We compared three groups: Individuals with PANS, individuals with other mental disorders and healthy controls. Joint mobility was assessed with the Beighton scoring system, psychiatric comorbidity with the M.I.N.I. or MINI-KID interview and symptoms of PANS with the PsychoNeuroInflammatory related Signs and Symptoms Inventory (PNISSI).Results: Hypermobility was similar across groups, and high rates of psychiatric comorbidity was not associated with higher Beighton scores.Conclusion: Although GJH is associated with several psychiatric conditions, such as ADHD and anxiety, this does not seem to be the case for PANS according to this preliminary study.

Background: Adults with autism spectrum disorder face several barriers to accessing evidence-based care, including difficulties in communicating needs, social anxiety or in traveling to a health care unit. In recent years, several forms of internet-based treatments have shown to be effective for a variety of psychiatric conditions. Internet-based treatment alternatives allow convenient and flexible formats, and therefore have the potential to increase access to health care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. However, knowledge about how internet-based treatment features may suit the needs of individuals with autism is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the participant experiences of an internet-based intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder. The primary focus of the investigation was on autism-specific needs in relation to the features unique to the online format.Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 14 participants who had completed a text-based internet-based intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder. We used an inductive approach and analyzed the data using qualitative content analysis.Results: Five main categories were identified: (1) implications of the online format, (2) the fixed non-individualized model, (3) therapist interaction, (4) interacting with other participants, and (5) making use of the treatment content. Overall, participants appreciated the availability and that they could work on their treatment independent of time or location. Among those participating in group-based chat-sessions with the other participants, it was considered a generally positive experience. Furthermore, most participants felt safe and relaxed in relation to the therapist and appreciated the text-based format. However, several participants felt that the format and content of the treatment was not sufficiently adapted to their individual life situation.Conclusion: In conclusion, this internet-based treatment constitutes an accessible and energy-saving treatment alternative for adults with autism. Further, integrating group-based components seems feasible in an otherwise individual internet-based treatment for individuals with autism. However, group-based components do require a clear purpose and rationale. Future studies should develop and evaluate treatment adaptations tailored to individual needs.

Mental disorders are heterogeneous and psychiatric comorbidities are common. Previous studies have suggested a link between inflammation and mental disorders. This link can manifest as increased levels of proinflammatory mediators in circulation and as signs of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders have increased risk of developing metabolic comorbidities. Our group has previously shown that, in a cohort of low-functioning individuals with serious mental disorders, there is increased expression of genes associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome, a known sensor of metabolic perturbations, as well as increased levels of IL-1-family cytokines. In the current study, we set out to explore the interplay between disease-specific changes in lipid metabolism and known markers of inflammation. To this end, we performed mass spectrometry-based lipidomic analysis of plasma samples from low-functioning individuals with serious mental disorders (n = 39) and matched healthy controls (n = 39). By identifying non-spurious immune-lipid associations, we derived a partial correlation network of inflammatory markers and molecular lipids. We identified levels of lipids as being altered between individuals with serious mental disorders and controls, showing associations between lipids and inflammatory mediators, e.g., osteopontin and IL-1 receptor antagonist. These results indicate that, in low-functioning individuals with serious mental disorders, changes in specific lipids associate with immune mediators that are known to affect neuroinflammatory diseases.

Abstract Background There is a need to educate a range of professionals in caring for individuals with long-term mental disability who reside within our communities. Empathy alone is insufficient. The Kognus 4-Step Education Program was developed to achieve this goal. Method The program consisted of independent courses, including an 18-session basic course on psychiatric disability (on-site or online), advanced courses, and highly specialized training programs (Nidotherapy/Peer Consultation). Experts lectured together with clients with psychiatric disabilities. We first report Swedish reforms in which institutionalized patients were relocated to semi-independent individual households. We then describe the design and implementation of the education program. Approximately 50% of participants who were younger than 36 years old lacked any healthcare education. The participants’ backgrounds, perceptions, participation in the education program, and costs are presented. Results Between 2009 and 2014, 8959 participants attended the Kognus psychiatry courses online or on-site in Stockholm (basic on-site course, n = 2111; online course, n = 4480; advanced courses, n = 2322; highly specialized programs, n = 46). A total of 73% of the participants satisfactorily attended the basic sessions on-site compared with 11% of the online participants. The developers conducted the education program for the first 3 years. Thereafter, another course provider continued the program with other types of participants. The program was perceived to be equally interesting and meaningful to participants with low and high levels of education, demonstrating the generalizability of the program. The quality of the basic and advanced courses was rated as 4.4 and 4.3, respectively, on a 5-point Likert scale. Conclusions Personnel without appropriate education who work with people with psychiatric/intellectual disabilities can be educated in large numbers. The Kognus program represents a novel and successful way of training people who have no formal education about some essentials of good mental healthcare. Moreover, the model can be easily implemented elsewhere.

Abstract Background Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are severe autoimmune inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system associated with the presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against the water channel protein aquaporin-4. During exacerbation, specific aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G may be produced intrathecally. We measured extracellular aquaporin-4 microparticles in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient who later developed the typical symptoms and signs of a neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Case presentation A 17-year-old South American girl developed acute severe motor and vocal tics and difficulties in walking, peripheral numbness, muscle pain, and bilateral headache. At age 22, she had a multitude of motor and psychiatric symptoms. Over the years, she fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, depression, sleep disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, development coordination disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, hypomania, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, conversion disorder, psychosis, and schizotypal personality syndrome. At age 24, she was found to have elevated titers of aquaporin-4 antibodies in serum, suggestive of probable neuromyelitis optica. She subsequently developed visual impairment, and swollen optic nerves were verified by magnetic resonance imaging. She was thus treated with a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeted against the pan-B-cell marker CD20 (rituximab), and almost all symptoms, including the psychiatric symptoms, rapidly decreased. We found a significant increase of extracellular microparticles of aquaporin-4 in cerebrospinal fluid sampled from our patient when she was 22 years old, 2 years before the full clinical development of neuromyelitis optica. Conclusions Microparticles of aquaporin-4 represent subcellular arrangements that may influence the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and may serve as biomarkers for the underlying cellular disturbances. The increase of aquaporin-4 microparticles in cerebrospinal fluid may be used for early diagnostic purposes; for prevention; and for evaluation of effective treatment, long-term follow-up studies, and elucidating the pathophysiology in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Further studies of aquaporin-4 microparticles in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neuromyelitis optica and similar neuropsychiatric disorders are thus called for.

Background Generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is reportedly overrepresented among clinical cases of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It is unknown if these associations are dimensional and, therefore, also relevant among non-clinical populations. Aims To investigate if GJH correlates with sub-syndromal neurodevelopmental symptoms in a normal population. Method Hakim-Grahame's 5-part questionnaire (5PQ) on GJH, neuropsychiatric screening scales measuring ADHD and ASD traits, and a DCD-related question concerning clumsiness were distributed to a non-clinical, adult, Swedish population (n=1039). Results In total, 887 individuals met our entry criteria. We found no associations between GJH and sub-syndromal symptoms of ADHD, ASD or DCD. Conclusions Although GJH is overrepresented in clinical cases with neurodevelopmental disorders, such an association seems absent in a normal population. Thus, if GJH serves as a biomarker cutting across diagnostic boundaries, this association is presumably limited to clinical populations.

BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism are increasingly recognised in adults. For a diagnostic evaluation, parental information on childhood development is needed. However, no instruments that retrospectively describe neurodevelopmental problems in childhood are validated for evaluating adults. The 181-item parent-report questionnaire Five to Fifteen (FTF) is nevertheless frequently used for assessments in adulthood.AimsTo examine if FTF is reliable for obtaining retrospective neurodevelopmental history among young adults.MethodDetails of parents who had assessed their children with the FTF for neuropsychiatric evaluation were retrieved and they were asked to complete the FTF again 10–19 years later. Agreements between original and retrospective scorings were analysed.ResultsLong-term reliability for FTF varies considerably between individual items. Several difficulties are reported as more severe at the retrospective scoring than at the original scoring. A selection of 24 items (FTF-Brief) with good agreement over time, is presented for use in adult psychiatry settings.ConclusionNeuropsychiatric symptoms may fluctuate over time and become more prominent when demands increase. Informants' recollections of their child's neurodevelopmental symptoms may be a selection of symptoms that are longstanding rather than present at a specific age in childhood.Declaration of interestNone.

BackgroundPaediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), an umbrella term that includes PANDAS (paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) is suggested to be a psychiatric disorder of autoimmune aetiology. PANS is characterised by an acute onset of obsessive–compulsive disorder or restricted eating with multiple comorbid symptoms. The specificity of the PANS criteria is not fully understood.AimsTo describe a cohort of patients with PANS and to determine if PANS features relating to symptoms, onset and course are more common in PANS than in other psychiatric conditions.MethodA case–control study comparing patients with interview-confirmed PANS with patients with suspected PANS and patients with a psychiatric condition but with no suspicion of PANS. Validated and non-validated measures of symptoms, onset and episodic course were used.ResultsIllness in patients with interview-confirmed PANS featured an episodic course and multiple symptoms present at onset compared with the psychiatric controls. However, individuals with interview-confirmed PANS did not present a specific symptom profile.ConclusionsPANS may be a distinct clinical entity featuring an acute onset, an episodic course and multiple symptoms at onset.Declaration of interestNone.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of humor style and motor skills in vulnerability to bullying. 729 adults responded to the Humor Style Questionnaire (HSQ) and items retrospectively addressing their motor skills and bullying experiences during childhood. Consistent with recent research, poorer motor skills were associated with a greater extent of having been bullied. An association between stronger motor skills and affiliative humor was found, lending support to a shared biological basis theory underlying social and motor competency processes. Most importantly, being bullied was associated with higher self-defeating humor and lower affiliative humor. This supports earlier theoretical work by Klein and Kuiper (2006) and highlights the role that humor styles play in social interactions that can promote positive peer acceptance and wellbeing.

Introduction: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are widely used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). SRIs commonly cause delayed orgasm, the mechanism of which is poorly understood. Oxytocin is involved in sexual function and is interconnected with serotonin within the brain. SRIs are reported to affect the oxytocin system, but possible relations between SRI-induced changes of sexual function and oxytocin are unexplored in humans. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of OCD, the anti-obsessive efficacy and adverse events of SRIs and oxytocin measurements were studied. Aims: To identify possible correlates between oxytocin levels and sexual function; find out whether sexual side effects correlate with levels of oxytocin and/or paroxetine and clomipramine; and test whether changes in sexual functioning are related to an anti-obsessive response. Methods: Reported sexual function and oxytocin plasma levels at rest were studied in 31 adults (15 men and 16 women) with OCD who participated in a randomized, double-blinded trial comparing the SRIs clomipramine and paroxetine with placebo. Sexual adverse effects were quantified by a clinician-administered semistructured interview. Anti-obsessive response was based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Main Outcome Measures: Ratings on the Sexual Symptom Checklist, plasma oxytocin, serum paroxetine and clomipramine levels, and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores. Results: Baseline oxytocin levels were positively correlated with baseline OCD severity, but not with sexual functioning. Impaired orgasm at week 6 was reported by 73% of SRI-treated and 20% of placebo-treated patients (P = .03). Impaired orgasm was related to higher oxytocin levels after 4 weeks of SRI treatment (P < .01) but not to SRI concentrations. In men, an association between impaired orgasm and anti-obsessive treatment response was found (P = .028). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that some collateral effects of SRIs, particularly delayed orgasm, might be influenced by changes within the oxytocinergic system and are related to anti-obsessive mechanisms. Early-onset delayed orgasm in SRI-treated patients could serve as a predictor for OCD treatment response.

The 'extreme male brain theory of autism' describes an extreme male pattern of cognitive traits defined as strong systemising abilities paired with empathising weaknesses in autism spectrum disorder. However, beyond these cognitive traits, clinical observations have suggested an ambiguous gender-typed pattern regarding several sexually dimorphic traits. The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns of non-cognitive sexually dimorphic traits differed between the autism spectrum disorder and control groups. Fifty adults with autism spectrum disorder and intelligence within the normal range, and 53 neurotypical controls responded to questions on gender role, self-perceived gender typicality and gender identity, as well as sexuality. Measures used were a Swedish modification of the Bem Sex Role Inventory and questions on sexuality and gender designed for the purpose of this study. Our results showed that one common gender role emerged in the autism spectrum disorder group. Masculinity (e.g. assertiveness, leadership and competitiveness) was weaker in the autism spectrum disorder group than in the controls, across men and women. Self-perceived gender typicality did not differ between the groups but tomboyism and bisexuality were overrepresented amongst women with autism spectrum disorder. Lower libido was reported amongst both male and female participants with autism spectrum disorder compared with controls. We conclude that the extreme male patterns of cognitive functions in the autistic brain do not seem to extend to gender role and sexuality. A gender-atypical pattern for these types of characteristics is suggested in autism spectrum disorder.

Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are increasingly being made in adulthood. However, assessments can fail to address the diverse range of problems that patients have experienced. The current study applied an early symptomatic syndromes eliciting neurodevelopmental clinical examinations (ESSENCE) framework to explore retrospectively reported childhood developmental and behavioral problems. It examined if adult ASD and ADHD patients would show problems outside those reflected in the respective diagnostic criteria, and also if these patient groups would show more extensive childhood problems than other psychiatric patients. Parents of adults with ADHD (n = 130), ASD (n = 57), coexisting ADHD and ASD (n = 38), and other psychiatric disorders (n = 56) reported on a range of childhood problems. Descriptions of the ADHD, ASD, and ADHD+ASD groups reflected greater impairment than descriptions for patients with other psychiatric disorders in most problem areas. Although differences were observed between ADHD and ASD patients in the core diagnostic areas, these syndromes also shared a number of childhood difficulties. The ESSENCE approach can assist in understanding the symptom history of adult ADHD and ASD patients and can be helpful to distinguish their childhood experiences from other psychiatric patients' experiences.