Grey Matters » Autism

Possible test for schizophrenia, ADHD?

Susan Moreno — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:24:10 +0000

Actually, the test may help predict those that are at a high risk for a certain mental disorder. No matter, this is a huge breakthrough! Currently doctors use a psychiatric manual, the DSM IV (the fifth version should be out soon) to diagnose phychiatric disease. It can be far from accurate as so many mental illnesses are complex disorders with a multitude of symptoms that can ebb and flow and even change over the years.

The new test is not really new. The EEG (electroencephalography) has been around for years. It measures brainwaves and researchers have found that a certain type of brain wave is slightly different in people whose siblings have schizophrenia. Researchers believe it could be used to identify people at risk so treatment can be introduced pre-emptivley. The test could possibly be used to see how the treatment is working as well.

The research showed that a certain activity, called the P300 marker, was reduced in people that had siblings with schizophrenia. That marker is thought to represent attentional and inhibitory control aspects of brain processing. But, the diminished activity of the marker may be a sign of increased risk for the illness, not a sign of the illness itself.

Researchers are also investigating P300 in people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Separate studies have linked brain disorders to malfunctions in genes involved in making synapses between brain cells.

These are all positives signs in the slow progress to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. It is difficult enough to accept a mental illness for a loved one, or for the patient himself. A specific test will help that process and make treatment more accurate as well.

Relationship between MMR Vaccine and Autism doctor speaks out

Susan Moreno — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:45:46 +0000

Your chance to hear about MMR and autism

On Sunday, June 27th, Andrew Wakefield, the doctor at the center of the MMR-autism controversy will participate in a live interview with author Lynne McTaggart. It will be a live telephone call that you can also access via the web.

To book your place on the call, please follow this link.

NOTE: 50% of the proceeds are being donated to support Wakefield’s continued research into the MMR vaccine and autism.

Andrew Wakefield was a leading gastroenterologist in London who made headlines in 1998 when he published a paper that suggested a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

After the Wakefield paper was published, vaccine rates started to fall, and the backlash began. Andrew Wakefield became a media target culminating in a hearing before the UK’s General Medical Council. He has now been barred from practicing as a doctor.

But what really happened? What did Wakefield discover? What else has he discovered since?

Professor Paul Shattuck, formerly of the University of Sunderland, and one of the world’s leading authorities on autism, will be joining on the call.

To hear the man at the centre of the storm – and to put your question to him – reserve your place by following this link. The cost for the call is $71.00 and 50% of the proceeds are being donated to support Wakefield’s continued research into the MMR vaccine and autism.

This is a live call, which you can access either by telephone or reduce additional telephone call charges to zero by listening in via the web.

Lynne McTaggart is the author of “What Doctors Don’t Tell You.”

The ideas and opinions expressed by Lynne McTaggart and Andrew Wakefield do not necessarily represent the ideas of the “Greymatters” author and as such cannot be endorsed by her. You must use your own judgement when researching any connection between Autism and MMR vaccines. The information for this call is provided for information only.

Children and Brain Disorders, Autism to Mental Illness

Susan Moreno — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:27:36 +0000

photo from the Daily News

With such a huge response from my last blog about the increase of the Autism diagnosis in children I decided to write another post on children with brain disorders. Autism and mental illnesses are biological brain disorders and can cause much of the same issues within a family when trying to find proper treatment and support. Also, it can be tricky for a health care professional to diagnose a child with a mental health issue.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southern Arizona sponsors a free, six session class for parents and caregivers of children with diagnosed or suspected mental illness called NAMI Basics. The next class begins January 12 and runs every Tuesday evening for six weeks at 6:30pm. In the class parents learn that it is not their fault and are taught various skills that can improve the day to day communications. Also, attendees learn how to keep accurate records on their child and what to expect as the child reaches adulthood. For information and to pre-register contact: Judi Maikoff, NAMI of Southern Arizona at 520-622-5582 or at jmaikoff@namisa.org

Also, Mentally Ill Kids in Distress (MIKID) offers support groups and information for parents and caregivers as well as a youth group for children to be involved in. For more information visit their website at www.MIKID.org or call them at 520-882-0142

OMG – Autism Jumps 57% in Four Years!

Susan Moreno — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:38:57 +0000

From an article on WebMD, the CDC reported on December 18th that Autism Disorders increased by 57% in just four years. What the heck is going on?
It says that by the end of 2006 one in 70 boys and one in 315 girls were diagnosed with an autism disorder. The new CDC report is vitually the same as the numbers at the end of 2007.
Even if you take into account the possiblity that the disorder is being diagnosed more than in the past and that reflects part of the increase, these numbers are staggering. What in the world is going on? And, why are males so much more affected?
Two decades ago one in 5000 children were known to have the disorder. I remember I had a friend back in the 70′s that had a little boy with autism……….I had never heard of it before. Now, it seems we all know familes with someone who is living with this disorder.
The National Institutes of Health needs the continued support from the federal government for the study of not only autism spectrum disorders, but all mental illnesses. Please let your legislators know you support continued and increased support to this valuable agency.