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  • 1.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Norra Stockholms psykiatri, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bruno, Kai
    BUP Brommaplan, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Gerland, Gunilla
    Lindquist, Lars
    Infektionskliniken, Karolinska universitetssjukhuset, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Nordin, Viviann
    Sachsska barn- och ungdomssjukhuset, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Pelling, Henrik
    BUP-kliniken, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Misstänk PANDAS hos barn med akuta neuropsykiatriska symptom. Infektion bakom sjukdomen [Suspect PANDAS in children with acute neuropsychiatric symptoms. Infection behind the disease]: långvarig antibiotikabehandling bör övervägas  [long-term antibiotic therapy should be considered]2013In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 110, no 41, p. 1803-1803, article id CDCDArticle in journal (Refereed)
  • 2.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Edgar, Johan
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Poor performance in physical education: a risk factor for bully victimization. A case-control study2011In: Acta Paediatrica, ISSN 0803-5253, E-ISSN 1651-2227, Vol. 100, no 3, p. 413-419Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: Poor social skills are a risk factor for becoming bullied, which could explain why this frequently occurs to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Poor social skills tend to coexist with clumsiness. According to a pilot study, poor performance in physical education (PE) was correlated with bully victimization.

    Methods: Sixty-nine healthy university students reported performance in PE and bully victimization in childhood. In addition, the participants responded to questionnaires for ADHD and ASDs to assess personality traits related to increased risk for bully victimization.

    Results: Below average performance in PE was a risk factor of being bullied in school with an odds ratio of 3.6 [95% confidence interval: 1.23-10.5; p = 0.017]. Strong correlations between poor performance in PE and long duration of victimization (p = 0.007) and poor performance in PE and high frequency of victimization (p = 0.008) were found. Autistic traits were related to performance below average in PE.

    Conclusion: Poor motor skills are a strong risk factor for becoming bullied. Prevention programmes that identify, protect and empower the clumsy children could be an important step to avoid bullying of the most vulnerable children.

  • 3.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University Hospital. Dept Clin Neurosci, Karolinska Inst, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Edman, Gunnar
    Dept Psychiat, TioHundra AB, Norrtälje, Sweden.
    Anckarsäter, Henrik
    Inst Neurosci & Physiol, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Berglund, Gunilla
    Dept Psychol, Stockholm Univ, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Gillberg, Christopher
    Inst Neurosci & Physiol, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Hofvander, Björn
    Dept Clin Sci, Lund Univ, Malmö, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Örebro University Hospital.
    Mörtberg, Ewa
    Dept Psychol, Stockholm Univ, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Råstam, Maria
    Dept Clin Sci, Lund Univ, Malmö, Sweden.
    Ståhlberg, Ola
    Inst Neurosci & Physiol, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Frisen, Louise
    Dept Clin Neurosci, Karolinska Inst, Stockholm, Sweden.
    The Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS): a self-report scale for OCD and obsessive-compulsive related disorders2014In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, ISSN 0803-9488, E-ISSN 1502-4725, Vol. 68, no 8, p. 549-559Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The Brief Obsessive Compulsive Scale (BOCS), derived from the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the children's version (CY-BOCS), is a short self-report tool used to aid in the assessment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is widely used throughout child, adolescent and adult psychiatry settings in Sweden but has not been validated up to date.

    Aim: The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the BOCS amongst a psychiatric outpatient population.

    Method: The BOCS consists of a 15-item Symptom Checklist including three items (hoarding, dysmorphophobia and self-harm) related to the DSM-5 category "Obsessive-compulsive related disorders", accompanied by a single six-item Severity Scale for obsessions and compulsions combined. It encompasses the revisions made in the Y-BOCS-II severity scale by including obsessive-compulsive free intervals, extent of avoidance and excluding the resistance item. 402 adult psychiatric outpatients with OCD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders completed the BOCS.

    Results: Principal component factor analysis produced five subscales titled "Symmetry", "Forbidden thoughts", "Contamination", "Magical thoughts" and "Dysmorphic thoughts". The OCD group scored higher than the other diagnostic groups in all subscales (P < 0.001). Sensitivities, specificities and internal consistency for both the Symptom Checklist and the Severity Scale emerged high (Symptom Checklist: sensitivity = 85%, specificities = 62-70% Cronbach's alpha = 0.81; Severity Scale: sensitivity = 72%, specificities = 75-84%, Cronbach's alpha = 0.94).

    Conclusions: The BOCS has the ability to discriminate OCD from other non-OCD related psychiatric disorders. The current study provides strong support for the utility of the BOCS in the assessment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in clinical psychiatry.

    Download full text (pdf)
    The Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS): a self-report scale for OCD and obsessive-compulsive related disorders
  • 4.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Edman, Gunnar
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyds Sjukhus, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden..
    Frisén, Louise
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Evidence-Based Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale2017In: Journal of Central Nervous System Disease, E-ISSN 1179-5735, Vol. 9, article id UNSP 1179573517702867Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 5.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Hesser, Hugo
    Örebro University, School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences.
    Hietala, Max Albert
    Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Kariis, Tarmo
    Karlstad Central Hospital, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden.
    Lange, Niclas
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Lebedev, Alexander
    Center for Psychiatry Research (CPF), Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuropsychiatry (CCNP), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Montgomery, Scott
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Nordenskjöld, Axel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Petrovic, Predrag
    Center for Psychiatry Research (CPF), Center for Cognitive and Computational Neuropsychiatry (CCNP), Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Söderbergh, Annika
    Department of Rheumatology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Thunberg, Per
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Department of Radiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Center for Experimental and Biomedical Imaging in Örebro (CEBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Wikström, Sverre
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Centre for Clinical Research, County Council of Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with rituximab for psychotic disorder in adults (RCT-Rits)2023In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 23, no 1, article id 771Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 6.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Jonna M.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bonde, Sabina
    Northern Stockholm Psychiatry, St Göran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Carlström, Kjell
    Department of Woman and Child Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Elias
    Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Göteborg, Sweden.
    The extreme male brain revisited: gender coherence in adults with autism spectrum disorder2012In: British Journal of Psychiatry, ISSN 0007-1250, E-ISSN 1472-1465, Vol. 201, p. 116-123Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The 'extreme male brain' theory suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an extreme variant of male intelligence. However, somewhat paradoxically, many individuals with ASD display androgynous physical features regardless of gender.

    Aims: To assess physical measures, supposedly related to androgen influence, in adults with and without ASD.

    Method: Serum hormone levels, anthropometry, the ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length (2D:4D) and psychiatric symptomatology were measured in 50 adults with high-functioning ASD and age- and gender-matched neurotypical controls. Photographs of face and body, as well as voice recordings, were obtained and assessed with respect to gender coherence, blindly and independently, by eight assessors.

    Results: Women with ASD had higher total and bioactive testosterone levels, less feminine facial features and a larger head circumference than female controls. Men in the ASD group were assessed as having less masculine body characteristics and voice quality, and displayed higher (i.e. less masculine) 2D:4D ratios, but similar testosterone levels to controls. Androgynous facial features correlated strongly and positively with autistic traits measured with the Autism-Spectrum Quotient in the total sample. In males and females with ASD dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate did not decrease with age, in contrast to the control group.

    Conclusions: Women with ASD had elevated testosterone levels and several masculinised characteristics compared with controls, whereas men with ASD displayed several feminised characteristics. Our findings suggest that ASD, rather than being characterised by masculinisation in both genders, may constitute a gender defiant disorder.

  • 7.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Norra Stockholms psykiatri, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Gardner, Ann
    Järvapsykiatrin, institutionen för klinisk neurovetenskap, Karolinska institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Diagnostik och terapi utmanar än, trots snabb tillväxt av kunskap [Diagnosis and therapy are still challenging, despite the rapid growth of knowledge]2014In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 111, no 39, p. 1638-1641, article id CYRHArticle, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [sv]

    Psychiatric diagnoses are not reflections of the aetiology of the disorder, but rather lists of symptoms with considerable overlaps, which hamper research and may cause confusion. The diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder are often comorbid along with a number of other symptomatic syndromes. Individual immune responsivity is possibly involved in pathophysiological mechanisms. Multiple environmental factors may contribute to the clinical phenotypes. Recent research supports to some extent the involvement of dietary and nutritional factors in ADHD. In spite of impressive progress in the molecular biological understanding of the pathophysiology of these disorders, treatment options are still limited and more research is warranted.

  • 8.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden .
    Gardner, Ann
    Järvapsykiatrin, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Äldrepsykiatrin, Akademiska sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden.
    D-vitaminbrist: vems ansvar?: vems ansvar? [Vitamin D deficiency: who's responsibility?]2011In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 108, no 14, p. 812-812Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 9.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Northern Stockholm Psychiatry, St Göran Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Childhood clumsiness and peer victimization: a case-control study of psychiatric patients2013In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 13, article id 68Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Poor motor and social skills as well as peer victimization are commonly reported in both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Positive relationships between poor motor and poor social skills, and between poor social skills and peer victimization, are well documented, but the relationship between poor motor skills and peer victimization has not been studied in psychiatric populations.

    Method: 277 patients (133 males, 144 females), mean age 31 years, investigated for ADHD or autism spectrum disorder in adulthood and with normal intelligence, were interviewed about childhood peer victimization and examined for gross motor skills. The parents completed a comprehensive questionnaire on childhood problems, the Five to Fifteen. The Five to Fifteen is a validated questionnaire with 181 statements that covers various symptoms in childhood across eight different domains, one of them targeting motor skills. Regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between motor skills and the risk and duration of peer victimization, adjusted for sex and diagnosis.

    Results: Victims were described as more clumsy in childhood than their non-victimized counterparts. A significant independent association was found between reportedly poor childhood gross motor skills and peer victimization (adjusted odds ratio: 2.97 [95% confidence interval: 1.46-6.07], n = 235, p = 0.003). In adulthood, the victimized group performed worse on vertical jumps, a gross motor task, and were lonelier. Other factors that were expected to be associated with peer victimization were not found in this highly selected group.

    Conclusion: Poor gross motor skills constitute a strong and independent risk factor for peer victimization in childhood, regardless of sex, childhood psychiatric care and diagnosis.

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    Childhood clumsiness and peer victimization: a case–control study of psychiatric patients
  • 10. Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Humble, Mats B.
    D-vitamin och graviditet: Etnisk-kulturella riktlinjer efterlyses: [Vitamin D and pregnancy: Ethnocultural guidelines wanted]2008In: Läkartidningen, ISSN 0023-7205, E-ISSN 1652-7518, Vol. 105, no 35, p. 2343-2344Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 11. Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Hög förekomst av autism hos svensk-somaliska barn [Increased occurrence of autism among Somali children]: Kan D-vitaminbrist spela in? [Does vitamin D deficiency play a role?]2008In: Tidsskrift for Den norske lægeforening, ISSN 0029-2001, E-ISSN 0807-7096, Vol. 128, no 17, p. 1986-1987Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 12.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Uppsala, USA; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Family Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Department of Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Uppsala, USA; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Family Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Low prevalence of smoking among patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder1999In: Comprehensive Psychiatry, ISSN 0010-440X, E-ISSN 1532-8384, Vol. 40, no 4, p. 268-272Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Tobacco smoking is common among psychiatric patients, especially among those with schizophrenia, where the prevalence is extremely high, 74% to 88%, compared with 45% to 70% in patients with other psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with anxiety disorders are less well investigated in this respect, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Eighty-three psychiatric outpatients with OCD and 110 members of the Swedish OCD Association responded to questions concerning their smoking habits. Among OCD patients, 14% were current smokers (compared with 25% in the general population of Sweden), 72% had never smoked, and 11 previous smokers had stopped, mostly without any difficulties. Since a decreased smoking rate among OCD subjects was confirmed, the smoking prevalences in schizophrenia and OCD, respectively, seem to represent either end of a continuum, and OCD may also differ significantly from other anxiety disorders in this respect. Possible implications of this finding for the purported frontal lobe dysregulation in OCD are discussed.

  • 13.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Section Psychiatry St. Göran, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden .
    Humble, Mats B.
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Relevance of motor skill problems in victims of bullying2007In: Pediatrics, ISSN 0031-4005, E-ISSN 1098-4275, Vol. 120, no 5, p. 1227-1228Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 14.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Department of clinical neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Department of clinical neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of clinical neuroscience, Uppsala University hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Gardner, Ann
    Department of clinical neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Endocrine disruptors, the increase of autism spectrum disorder and its comorbidity with gender identity disorder: a hypothetical association2011In: International Journal of Andrology, ISSN 0105-6263, E-ISSN 1365-2605, Vol. 34, no 5 Pt 2, article id e350Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 15.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center.
    Glans, Martin
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Hesselmark, Eva
    Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, CAP Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Joint Hypermobility in Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome: A Preliminary Case-Control Study2021In: Frontiers in Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1664-0640, Vol. 12, article id 797165Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 16.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Nilsonne, Gustav
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Subcortical brain volume differences in participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults2017In: Lancet psychiatry, ISSN 2215-0374, E-ISSN 2215-0366, Vol. 4, no 6, p. 437-437Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 17.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Karolinska institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Plenty, Stephanie
    Karolinska institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Alice
    Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Poor Motor Skills: A Risk Marker for Bully Victimization2013In: Aggressive Behavior, ISSN 0096-140X, E-ISSN 1098-2337, Vol. 39, no 6, p. 453-461Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Children who are clumsy are often bullied. Nevertheless, motor skills have been overlooked in research on bullying victimization. A total of 2,730 Swedish adults (83% females) responded to retrospective questions on bullying, their talents in physical education (i.e., coordination and balls skills) and school academics. Poor talents were used as indicators of poor gross motor skills and poor academic skills. A subset of participants also provided information on educational level in adulthood, childhood obesity, belonging to an ethic minority in school and socioeconomic status relative to schoolmates. A total of 29.4% of adults reported being bullied in school, and 18.4% reported having below average gross motor skills. Of those with below average motor skills, 48.6% were bullied in school. Below average motor skills in childhood were associated with an increased risk (OR 3.01 [95% CI: 1.97-4.60]) of being bullied, even after adjusting for the influence of lower socioeconomic status, poor academic performance, being overweight, and being a bully. Higher odds for bully victimization were also associated with lower socioeconomic status (OR 2.29 [95% CI: 1.45-3.63]), being overweight (OR 1.71 [95% CI: 1.18-2.47]) and being a bully (OR 2.18 [95% CI: 1.53-3.11]). The findings indicate that poor gross motor skills constitute a robust risk-marker for vulnerability for bully victimization. Aggr. Behav. 39:453-461, 2013. (c) 2013 The Authors. Aggressive Behavior Published by Wiley-Blackwell

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    Poor Motor Skills: A Risk Marker for Bully Victimization
  • 18.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. Electronic address: susanne.bejerot@oru.se.
    Sigra, Sofia
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden. Electronic address: sofia.sigra@regionorebrolan.se.
    Welin, Elisabet
    Örebro University, School of Health Sciences.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. Electronic address: daniel.eklund@oru.se.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. Electronic address: ulrika.hylen@regionorebrolan.se.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Rituximab as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder: Two open-label pilot studies on treatment-resistant patients2023In: Journal of Psychiatric Research, ISSN 0022-3956, E-ISSN 1879-1379, Vol. 158, p. 319-329Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In this explorative study, we investigated if an adjunctive treatment with one single dose of the monoclonal antibody rituximab would improve symptoms and function in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD, n = 9) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD, n = 10), based on the inflammatory hypothesis for mental disorders. Patients were followed for one year. Disability was measured with the Personal and Social Performance score (PSP). At baseline, the mean PANSS score in the SSD group was 99 ± 32 and the mean Y-BOCS score in the OCD group was 27.5 ± 7. Mean PSP scores were 32 ± 10.2 and 42.5 ± 9.9 in the SSD and OCD groups, respectively. Seven had Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) in retrospect, and 3 SSD patients had schizo-obsessive subtype. 4/8 SSD patients showed a ≥40% reduction in PANSS at endpoint I week 20, however, 7/9 were similarly improved already at week 12. Among the OCD patients, 2/10 showed a ≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS at week 20. Disability was significantly improved only in the SSD group. The percentual decrease of PANSS scores in SSD patients was associated with the increase in immunoglobulin levels week 20 (n = 8: IgG r = 0.85, p = .007; IgA r = 0.79, p = .019; IgM r = 0.73, p = .038). Rituximab was generally well tolerated in these patients. Self-rated improvements since baseline were reported for psychic (p = .021), neurological (p = .059), and autonomic (p < .001) side effects (UKU-SERS-Pat side-effect scale). Anxiety was commonly reported by OCD patients, while an initial increase in psychotic symptoms was seen in a few SSD patients. An RCT is underway to evaluate rituximab in SSD.

  • 19.
    Fernell, Elisabeth
    et al.
    Gillberg Neuropsychiat Ctr, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Res & Dev Ctr, Skaraborgs Hosp, Skövde, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Dept Clin Neurosci, Karolinska Inst, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Westerlund, Joakim
    Dept Psychol, Univ Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Miniscalco, Carmela
    Gillberg Neuropsychiat Ctr, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Simila, Henry
    Inst Brain, Univ Queensland, Brisbane Qld, Australia.
    Eyles, Darryl
    Inst Brain, Univ Queensland, Brisbane Qld, Australia; Queensland Ctr Mental Hlth Res, Univ Queensland, Brisbane Qld, Australia.
    Gillberg, Christopher
    Gillberg Neuropsychiat Ctr, Sahlgrenska Acad, Univ Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Autism spectrum disorder and low vitamin D at birth: a sibling control study2015In: Molecular Autism, ISSN 2040-2392, ISSN 2040-2392, Vol. 6, article id 3Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Insufficient vitamin D activity has attracted increasing interest as a possible underlying risk factor in disorders of the central nervous system, including autism.

    Methods: In this study, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) was analysed in 58 Sweden-born sibling pairs, in which one child had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the other did not. The study group consisted of two representative samples; 47 Gothenburg sibling pairs with mixed ethnicities and 11 Stockholm sibling pairs with Somali background. 25(OH) D levels were analysed in the stored dried blood spots taken in the neonatal period for metabolic screening.

    Results: The collapsed group of children with ASD had significantly lower vitamin D levels (M = 24.0 nM, SD = 19.6) as compared with their siblings (M = 31.9 nM, SD = 27.7), according to a paired samples t-test (P = 0.013). The difference was-most likely-not only accounted for by a difference in season of birth between ASD and non-ASD siblings since the mean 25(OH)D levels differed with similar effect size between the sibling pairs born during winter and summer, respectively. All children with African/Middle East background, both the children with ASD and their non-ASD siblings, had vitamin D deficiency.

    Conclusions: The findings suggest that low prenatal vitamin D may act as a risk factor for ASD, however, there is a need for replication with larger samples. Future research should study whether or not adequate supplementation of vitamin D to pregnant women might lower the risk for ASD in the offspring.

    Download full text (pdf)
    Autism spectrum disorder and low vitamin D at birth: a sibling control study
  • 20.
    Fresnais, David
    et al.
    School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital Karlstad, Region Värmland, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Meehan, Adrian David
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. Department of Geriatrics.
    Fure, Brynjar
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Apathy as a Predictor for Conversion From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies2023In: Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, ISSN 0891-9887, E-ISSN 1552-5708, Vol. 36, no 1, p. 3-17Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Apathy is one of the most prevalent neurobehavioral manifestations in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is included among the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Studies suggest that the presence of apathy could be associated with increased dementia risk. The role of apathy in conversion from MCI to dementia, and whether apathy could be a relevant predictor for dementia progression, are still matters of investigation.

    AIM: To study the relationship between apathy and progression to dementia in individuals with MCI.

    METHODS: A systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, PsychINFO, and CINAHL was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search included longitudinal studies reporting on the association between apathy and dementia.

    RESULTS: The main outcome was pooled unadjusted hazard ratios (HR) of apathy in dementia conversion and included 11 studies with 9504 individuals. There was a significant association between apathy and dementia conversion, HR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.29, 1.84. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association between apathy and progression to AD.

    CONCLUSION: Apathy was associated with an increased risk of conversion to AD and all-cause dementia in patients with MCI. The role of apathy as a marker for incident dementia needs to be investigated in large, high-quality studies.

  • 21.
    Fresnais, David
    et al.
    School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital Karlstad, Karlstad, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center.
    Meehan, Adrian David
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. Department of Geriatrics.
    Fure, Brynjar
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Department of Internal Medicine, Central Hospital Karlstad, Karlstad, Sweden.
    The Association between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2021In: Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, ISSN 1420-8008, E-ISSN 1421-9824, Vol. 50, no 4, p. 305-317Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive impairment (CI) and different etiologies of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), are associated with vascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. In clinical practice, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measured by ultrasonography may be a marker of atherosclerosis. Many studies report increased CIMT in patients with dementia and CI although a firm association has not yet been established.

    Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to study the relationship between CIMT, dementia, and CI.

    Methods: The literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and included the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Epistemonikos. The search spanned from 2000 to 2020 and was limited to English and Scandinavian languages.

    Results: The main analysis of CIMT in subjects with CI compared to subjects with no cognitive impairment (NCI) included 12 studies; 1,089 subjects with CI and 5,223 with NCI. There was no significant difference in CIMT between the CI and NCI groups. However, subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher CIMT in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia groups than the NCI group. In addition, patients with dementia had increased CIMT compared to patients with MCI, and patients with AD demonstrated higher CIMT than those with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI).

    Conclusion: CIMT may be higher in subjects with CI than in cognitively healthy subjects although no significant difference was observed in our main analysis. CIMT was higher in the dementia group than the MCI group and in the AD group compared to the VCI group.

  • 22.
    Glans, M.
    et al.
    Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Elwin, Marie
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Symptomatic generalised joint hypermobility and autism spectrum disorder are associated in adults2022In: European psychiatry, ISSN 0924-9338, E-ISSN 1778-3585, Vol. 65, no Suppl. 1, p. S452-S452, article id EPV0244Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Intriguingly, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and symptomatic generalised joint hypermobility (S-GJH) (e.g. hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) share several clinical manifestations including motor difficulties, sensory hypersensitivity and autonomic dysfunction. Moreover, many syndromic forms of ASD manifest a hypermobile phenotype. Despite the increased interest in the area, few systematic studies are available.

    Objectives: This large cross-sectional comparative study aimed to examine the association between S-GJH and ASD in adults.

    Methods: We assessed GJH by physical examination using the Beighton Scoring System (BSS) and collected data on musculoskeletal symptoms and skin abnormalities amongst 156 adult patients with ASD and 413 adult community controls. A proxy for S-GJH was created by combining a positive BSS with at least one additional musculoskeletal symptom or skin abnormality.

    Results: The prevalence of S-GJH was significantly higher amongst patients with ASD than amongst controls (16.7% vs 4.8%, p< .001). A logistic regression model, adjusting for candidate covariates of GJH (age, sex, race), revealed a significant influence of ASD on S-GJH with adjusted odds ratio of 5.4 (95% CI 2.8-10.5, p< .001).

    Conclusions: ASD and S-GJH are associated in adults. If recognised, musculoskeletal complications related to S-GJH can be relieved by physiotherapy. Clinicians should be familiar with that symptoms frequently occurring in GJH such as pain, fatigue and orthostatic intolerance may mimic or aggravate psychiatric symptoms (e.g. depression, anxiety). Knowledge about comorbidities may provide clues to underlying aethiopathological factors. Future research to clarify the mechanisms behind this association and to evaluate how comorbid S-GJH affects ASD outcome is warranted.

  • 23.
    Glans, Martin
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Generalised joint hypermobility and neurodevelopmental traits in a non-clinical adult population2017In: BJPsych Open, E-ISSN 2056-4724, Vol. 3, no 5, p. 236-242Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

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    Generalised joint hypermobility and neurodevelopmental traits in a non-clinical adult population
  • 24.
    Glans, Martin
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Elwin, Marie
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital.
    Thelin, N.
    Division of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
    Association between adult adhd and generalised joint hypermobility, with and without systemic manifestations: A case-control study2021In: European psychiatry, ISSN 0924-9338, E-ISSN 1778-3585, Vol. 64, no Suppl. 1, p. S89-S89Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: There is growing evidence that generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is associated with several psychiatric conditions. There are no previous studies on adult ADHD.

    Objectives: To evaluate, in a large Swedish sample, if generalised joint hypermobility and adult ADHD are associated.

    Methods: 431 adults with ADHD and 417 controls were included. GJH was assessed by the Beighton Score, a physical examination, and the 5PQ, a self-report screening tool. Exploratively, reported musculoskeletal symptoms and abnormal skin manifestations suggestive of symptomatic GJH (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), were assessed to differentiate this group from the general GJH group. Logistic regressions determined the influence of an ADHD diagnosis and known covariates (age, sex and ethnicity) on GJH and symptomatic GJH respectively.

    Results: ADHD was associated to GJH, as defined by the Beighton Score and the 5PQ, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.65 (CI 95% 3.01-7.18, p<.005) and 1.86 (CI 95% 1.39-2.48, p<.005), respectively. Likewise, ADHD and symptomatic GJH were associated withadjusted odds ratios of 6.94 (CI 95% 4.05-11.89, p<.005) and 2.66 (CI 95% 1.94-3.66, p<.005).

    Conclusions: GJH and adult ADHD are associated conditions. Symptomatic GJH, defined as additional symptoms of pain and/or skin manifestations, has a considerably stronger link to adult ADHD than unspecific GJH has. GJH may represent a marker of an underlying systemic disorder with physical manifestations in connective tissue as well as behavioural manifestations including hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness. Future studies should investigate if this represents a novel subtype of ADHD and if symptomatic GJH affects the ADHD management.

  • 25.
    Glans, Martin
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Elwin, Marie
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Self-rated joint hypermobility: the five-part questionnaire evaluated in a Swedish non-clinical adult population2020In: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, E-ISSN 1471-2474, Vol. 21, no 1, article id 174Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 26.
    Glans, Martin
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Thelin, Nils
    Division of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Elwin, Marie
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro University Campus USÖ, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Association between adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalised joint hypermobility: A cross-sectional case control comparison2021In: Journal of Psychiatric Research, ISSN 0022-3956, E-ISSN 1879-1379, Vol. 143, p. 334-340Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Growing evidence suggests an unexpected association between generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) and several psychiatric conditions, and a shared pathophysiology has been proposed. No previous studies on adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are available. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adult ADHD and GJH. A total of 431 adults with ADHD and 417 non-ADHD controls were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. GJH was assessed by physical examination following the Beighton scoring system (BSS). Furthermore, musculoskeletal symptoms and skin abnormalities were queried to create a proxy for symptomatic GJH (e.g., Hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) to differentiate this from non-specified GJH defined by BSS only. Logistic regression examined the influence of ADHD and candidate covariates (age, sex, ethnicity) on GJH and symptomatic GJH, respectively. ADHD was significantly associated with GJH, as defined by the BSS, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-7.2, p < .005). Likewise, ADHD was significantly associated with symptomatic GJH, as defined by the BSS and additional symptoms, with adjusted odds ratios of 6.9 (CI 95% 4.1-11.9, p < .005). Our results suggest that GJH may represent a marker for an underlying systemic disorder involving both connective tissue and the central nervous system. GJH with additional musculoskeletal symptoms and/or skin abnormalities has a considerable stronger link to adult ADHD than non-specified GJH has, and may need awareness in ADHD management. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms behind this association and how comorbid GJH affects ADHD outcome.

  • 27.
    Glans, Martin
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Thelin, Nils
    Division of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Elwin, Marie
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. University Health Care Research Centre.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Solna, Sweden.
    The Relationship Between Generalised Joint Hypermobility and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: A Large, Cross-Sectional, Case Control Comparison2022In: Frontiers in Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1664-0640, Vol. 12, article id 803334Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 28.
    Holländare, Fredrik
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Annsofi
    Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Lövgren, Lisa
    Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Boersma, Katja
    Örebro University, School of Law, Psychology and Social Work.
    Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Residual Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder Type II: A Single-Subject Design Pilot Study2015In: JMIR Research Protocols, E-ISSN 1929-0748, Vol. 4, no 2, article id e44Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition with recurring episodes that often lead to suffering, decreased functioning, and sick leave. Pharmacotherapy in the form of mood stabilizers is widely available, but does not eliminate the risk of a new depressive or (hypo) manic episode. One way to reduce the risk of future episodes is to combine pharmacological treatment with individual or group psychological interventions. However, access to such interventions is often limited due to a shortage of trained therapists. In unipolar depression there is now robust evidence of the effectiveness of Internet-based psychological interventions, usually comprising psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Internet-based interventions for persons suffering from bipolar disorder could increase access to psychological treatment.

    Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an Internet-based intervention, as well as its effect on residual depressive symptoms in persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder type II (BP-II). The most important outcomes were depressive symptoms, treatment adherence, and whether the patient perceived the intervention as helpful.

    Methods: A total of 7 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder type II at a Swedish psychiatric outpatient clinic were offered the opportunity to participate. Of the 7 patients, 3 (43%) dropped out before treatment began, and 4 (57%) were treated by means of an online, Internet-based intervention based on CBT (iCBT). The intervention was primarily aimed at psychoeducation, treatment of residual depressive symptoms, emotion regulation, and improved sleep. All patients had ongoing pharmacological treatment at recruitment and established contact with a psychiatrist. The duration of BP-II among the treated patients was between 6 and 31 years. A single-subject design was used and the results of the 4 participating patients were presented individually.

    Results: Initiating treatment was perceived as too demanding under current life circumstances for 3 patients who consequently dropped out during baseline assessment. Self-ratings using the Montgomery-sberg Depression Rating Scale-Self-rated (MADRS-S) showed symptom reduction in 3 (75%) of the 4 treated cases during iCBT. In the evaluation of the treatment, 2 patients reported that they perceived that the treatment had reduced symptoms a little, 1 that it had reduced symptoms very much, and 1 not at all. Treatment adherence (ie, module completion) was fairly high in 3 cases. In general, the modules were perceived as fairly helpful or very helpful by the patients. In one case, there was a reliable change-according to the Reliable Change Index-in self-rated symptoms of depression and perseverative thinking.

    Conclusions: The treatment seemed to have acceptable feasibility. The iCBT intervention could be an effective way to treat residual symptoms in some patients with bipolar disorder type II. This should be investigated in a larger study.

  • 29.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Obsessive-compulsive disorder, serotonin and oxytocin: treatment response and side effects2016Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with a prevalence of 1-2 %, frequently leads a chronic course. Persons with OCD are often reluctant to seek help and, if they do, their OCD is often missed. This is unfortunate, since active treatment may substantially improve social function and quality of life. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) have welldocumented efficacy in OCD, but delayed response may be problematic. Methods to predict response have been lacking. Because SRIs are effective, pathophysiological research on OCD has focussed on serotonin. However, no clear aberrations of serotonin have been found, thus other mechanisms ought to be involved.

    Our aims were to facilitate clinical detection and assessment of OCD, to search for biochemical correlates of response and side-effects in SRI treatment of OCD and to identify any possible involvement of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of OCD.

    In study I, we tested in 402 psychiatric out-patients the psychometric properties of a concise rating scale, “Brief Obsessive Compulsive Scale” (BOCS). BOCS was shown to be easy to use and have excellent discriminant validity in relation to other common psychiatric diagnoses.

    Studies II-V were based on 36 OCD patients from a randomised controlled trial of paroxetine, clomipramine or placebo. In study II, contrary to expectation, we found that the change (decrease) of serotonin in whole blood was most pronounced in non-responders to SRI. This is likely to reflect inflammatory influence on platelet turnover rather than serotonergic processes within the central nervous system.

    In studies IV-V, we found relations between changes of oxytocin in plasma and the anti-obsessive response, and between oxytocin and the SRI related delay of orgasm, respectively. In both cases, the relation to central oxytocinergic mechanisms is unclear. In males, delayed orgasm predicted anti-obsessive response.

    List of papers
    1. The Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS): a self-report scale for OCD and obsessive-compulsive related disorders
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>The Brief Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (BOCS): a self-report scale for OCD and obsessive-compulsive related disorders
    Show others...
    2014 (English)In: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, ISSN 0803-9488, E-ISSN 1502-4725, Vol. 68, no 8, p. 549-559Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The Brief Obsessive Compulsive Scale (BOCS), derived from the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and the children's version (CY-BOCS), is a short self-report tool used to aid in the assessment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is widely used throughout child, adolescent and adult psychiatry settings in Sweden but has not been validated up to date.

    Aim: The aim of the current study was to examine the psychometric properties of the BOCS amongst a psychiatric outpatient population.

    Method: The BOCS consists of a 15-item Symptom Checklist including three items (hoarding, dysmorphophobia and self-harm) related to the DSM-5 category "Obsessive-compulsive related disorders", accompanied by a single six-item Severity Scale for obsessions and compulsions combined. It encompasses the revisions made in the Y-BOCS-II severity scale by including obsessive-compulsive free intervals, extent of avoidance and excluding the resistance item. 402 adult psychiatric outpatients with OCD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders completed the BOCS.

    Results: Principal component factor analysis produced five subscales titled "Symmetry", "Forbidden thoughts", "Contamination", "Magical thoughts" and "Dysmorphic thoughts". The OCD group scored higher than the other diagnostic groups in all subscales (P < 0.001). Sensitivities, specificities and internal consistency for both the Symptom Checklist and the Severity Scale emerged high (Symptom Checklist: sensitivity = 85%, specificities = 62-70% Cronbach's alpha = 0.81; Severity Scale: sensitivity = 72%, specificities = 75-84%, Cronbach's alpha = 0.94).

    Conclusions: The BOCS has the ability to discriminate OCD from other non-OCD related psychiatric disorders. The current study provides strong support for the utility of the BOCS in the assessment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in clinical psychiatry.

    Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
    Informa Healthcare, 2014
    Keywords
    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism, Assessment, Compulsive behaviour, Obsessions
    National Category
    Psychiatry
    Research subject
    Psychiatry
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-39459 (URN)10.3109/08039488.2014.884631 (DOI)000343980600005 ()24568661 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84933049819 (Scopus ID)
    Available from: 2014-12-10 Created: 2014-12-10 Last updated: 2023-12-08Bibliographically approved
    2. Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: relationship with drug response in obsessive-compulsive disorder
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: relationship with drug response in obsessive-compulsive disorder
    2001 (English)In: Biological Psychiatry, ISSN 0006-3223, E-ISSN 1873-2402, Vol. 49, no 4, p. 360-368Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder responds almost only to potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Previous studies have suggested a relation between serotonergic function and clinical outcome in serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    Methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial, comparing clomipramine, paroxetine, and a placebo in obsessive-compulsive disorder, serotonin levels in whole blood (WB-5-HT) were measured at baseline, after 1 week, and after 4 weeks of treatment and related to clinical outcome in 36 patients.

    Results: In patients treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors there was a pronounced decrease of WB-5-HT, variable after 1 week and uniformly maximal after 4 weeks. The decrease of WB-5-HT after 1 week of serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment correlated negatively with clinical outcome after 12 weeks (r = -.61, p =.0006); hence, patients with slower WB-5-HT reactivity eventually responded better to treatment. Baseline WB-5-HT, but not WB-5-HT reactivity, was related to season. Depression, autistic traits, and previous serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment predicted nonresponse.

    Conclusions: A fast decrease of WB-5-HT was associated with poor clinical outcome. This may be related to faster serotonin efflux from platelets, which has previously been linked to autism. Further studies are necessary to identify the underlying mechanism and discern whether serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced WB-5-HT decrease is clinically useful.

    Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
    New York, USA: Elsevier, 2001
    Keywords
    Obsessive-compulsive disorder, serotonin, kinetics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, autism, prediction of response, randomized controlled trial
    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences Psychiatry Neurology
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-50184 (URN)10.1016/S0006-3223(00)00956-2 (DOI)000167183100007 ()11239907 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-0035865647 (Scopus ID)
    Available from: 2016-05-03 Created: 2016-05-03 Last updated: 2017-11-30Bibliographically approved
    3. Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: response to Mulder et al.
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: response to Mulder et al.
    2002 (English)In: Biological Psychiatry, ISSN 0006-3223, E-ISSN 1873-2402, Vol. 51, no 3, p. 267-268Article in journal, Letter (Other academic) Published
    Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
    Elsevier, 2002
    National Category
    Psychiatry Neurosciences
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-51955 (URN)10.1016/S0006-3223(01)01316-6 (DOI)000173811000011 ()
    Available from: 2016-09-05 Created: 2016-09-05 Last updated: 2018-01-10Bibliographically approved
    4. Plasma oxytocin changes and anti-obsessive response during serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment: a placebo controlled study
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Plasma oxytocin changes and anti-obsessive response during serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment: a placebo controlled study
    2013 (English)In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 13, p. 344-Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The drug treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). However, a correlation between the neuropeptide oxytocin in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of OCD has previously been shown, and oxytocin and serotonin are interconnected within the brain. Few studies have investigated whether SRIs have any effect on oxytocin; thus, our aim was to explore the possibility that oxytocinergic mechanisms contribute to the anti-obsessive effect of SRIs.

    Method: In a randomized, double-blind trial, comparing SRIs (clomipramine and paroxetine) with placebo in 36 adults with OCD (characterized for subtypes), plasma oxytocin was measured with radioimmunoassay after plasma extraction, at baseline, after 1 week, and after 4 weeks of treatment, and related to baseline severity and clinical response after 12 weeks, as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).

    Results: Baseline oxytocin levels correlated positively with baseline Y-BOCS ratings, but only among the future SRI responders. Patients with early onset of OCD had higher baseline oxytocin. During treatment, plasma oxytocin did not differ between SRI and placebo treatment. In SRI responders, plasma oxytocin first decreased and then increased; in non-responders (to SRI as well as to placebo), the reverse was the case. After 4 weeks, treatment responders had attained higher oxytocin levels compared to non-responders. The intra-individual range (i.e. the variability) of plasma oxytocin between measurements was the measure that best differentiated responders from non-responders. This range was higher in responders than non-responders, and lower in patients with autistic traits.

    Conclusions: SRIs have highly variable effects on plasma oxytocin between individuals. The associations between baseline oxytocin and OCD severity and between oxytocin changes and treatment response support the notions that oxytocin is involved in OCD pathophysiology, and that the anti-obsessive effects of SRIs are partly exerted through oxytocinergic mechanisms.

    Keywords
    Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Oxytocin/plasma, Serotonin, Serotonin uptake inhibitors, Treatment response, Randomized controlled trial, Autism spectrum disorder, Placebo response
    National Category
    Medical and Health Sciences Psychiatry
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-33285 (URN)10.1186/1471-244X-13-344 (DOI)000329160000001 ()24359174 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-84890670310 (Scopus ID)
    Funder
    Swedish Research Council, 2011-3646
    Note

    Funding Agency: Örebro County Council; Örebro University (se även Forskningsfinansiär)

    Available from: 2014-01-24 Created: 2014-01-24 Last updated: 2024-01-17Bibliographically approved
    5. Orgasm, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition, and Plasma Oxytocin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Gleaning From a Distant Randomized Clinical Trial
    Open this publication in new window or tab >>Orgasm, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition, and Plasma Oxytocin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Gleaning From a Distant Randomized Clinical Trial
    2016 (English)In: Sexual Medicine, E-ISSN 2050-1161, Vol. 4, no 3, p. e145-e155Article in journal (Refereed) Published
    Abstract [en]

    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.

    Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
    Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier, 2016
    Keywords
    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Oxytocin/Plasma; Serotonin; Clomipramine; Paroxetine; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors; Response Prediction; Adverse Effects; Randomized Controlled Trial; Sexual Physiology
    National Category
    Psychiatry General Practice
    Identifiers
    urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-50976 (URN)10.1016/j.esxm.2016.04.002 (DOI)000389259700003 ()27320409 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85006216627 (Scopus ID)
    Available from: 2016-06-21 Created: 2016-06-21 Last updated: 2020-12-08Bibliographically approved
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  • 30.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center.
    Inflammasome activation in psychosis: Consequence of peripheral dyslipidaemia or reflection of an inflammatory pathogenesis?2022In: Brain, behavior, and immunity, ISSN 0889-1591, E-ISSN 1090-2139, Vol. 101, p. 284-285Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 31.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Orgasm, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition, and Plasma Oxytocin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Gleaning From a Distant Randomized Clinical Trial2016In: Sexual Medicine, E-ISSN 2050-1161, Vol. 4, no 3, p. e145-e155Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

    Download full text (pdf)
    Orgasm, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition, and Plasma Oxytocin in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Gleaning From a Distant Randomized Clinical Trial
  • 32.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Uppsala university.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Uppsala university.
    Bergqvist, Peter B. F.
    AstraZeneca, Lund, Sweden.
    Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: response to Mulder et al.2002In: Biological Psychiatry, ISSN 0006-3223, E-ISSN 1873-2402, Vol. 51, no 3, p. 267-268Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 33.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Fresnais, D.
    School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    Örebro University, School of Health Sciences.
    Sigra, Sofia
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Thunberg, Per
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Rituximab for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): functional connectivity and cytokines associated with symptomatic improvements2023In: European psychiatry, ISSN 0924-9338, E-ISSN 1778-3585, Vol. 66, no Suppl. 1, p. S629-S629, article id EPP1035Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Immunological mechanisms may contribute to the causation of mental illness. Autoimmunity is most convincingly shown for anti-NMDA-R encephalitis and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS); disorders that overlap clinically with schizophrenia and OCD. Altered inflammatory cytokine production, glial activation and auto-antibodies have also been associated with schizophrenia and OCD. In these disorders, however, the treatment results with anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating drugs have hitherto been limited and inconsistent. Yet other targets within the immune system may still be effective and new options are warranted for treatment-resistant patients. Rituximab targets B-lymphocytes and is often used in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and anti-NMDA-R encephalitis.

    Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether rituximab is clinically effective, safe and tolerable as add-on therapy in markedly ill, treatment-resistant adult psychiatric patients with schizophrenia or OCD. We also wanted to identify putative mediating mechanisms in treatment responders, such as cytokine changes and functional connectivity (FC).

    Methods: In an open pilot study, adults (18-39 years) with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and/or OCD were included. They received an intravenous infusion of rituximab 1000 mg, once at baseline, in addition to their regular psychiatric medication and were followed for 1 year. The main outcome measures were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) or Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I) and the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP). Treatment response was defined as ≥ 40 % decrease in PANSS or ≥ 35 % decrease in Y-BOCS, and much improved according to CGI-I. Resting-state fMRI was applied at baseline and after 5 months. Plasma cytokines were measured at 0, 3 and 5 months. Cognitive tests and the recently developed PsychoNeuroinflammatory Related Signs and Symptoms Inventory (PNISSI) were used to identify and measure symptoms related to neuro-inflammation and cognitive function.

    Results: Nineteen patients were treated with rituximab. 3-5 months after treatment, 6/9 patients with schizophrenia and 1/10 with OCD responded. One schizophrenia patient continues with rituximab every 6 months and has reportedly done well for almost 3 years. No severe side effects were reported apart from recurrent abdominal pain in a schizophrenia patient and one case of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Significant changes of FC were detected in responders only and correlated with PSP changes.

    Conclusions: Aberrant B-cell activities may contribute to treatment-resistant schizophrenia and be amenable to treatment with rituximab. However, the results of this pilot study need confirmation in placebo-controlled trials.

  • 34.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, St. Göran, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Gustafsson, Sven
    Department of Laboratory Medicine, Section for Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, St. Göran, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) among psychiatric out-patients in Sweden: relations with season, age, ethnic origin and psychiatric diagnosis2010In: Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ISSN 0960-0760, E-ISSN 1879-1220, Vol. 121, no 1-2, p. 467-470Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In a chart review at a psychiatric out-patient department, latitude 59.3 degrees N, a sample of patients with tests of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OHD) and plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was collected, together with demographic data and psychiatric diagnoses. During 19 months, 117 patients were included. Their median 25-OHD was 45 nmol/l; considerably lower than published reports on Swedish healthy populations. Only 14.5% had recommended levels (over 75). In 56.4%, 25-OHD was under 50 nmol/l, which is related to several unfavourable health outcomes. Seasonal variation of 25-OHD was blunted. Patients with ADHD had unexpectedly low iPTH levels. Middle East, South-East Asian or African ethnic origin, being a young male and having a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia predicted low 25-OHD levels. Hence, the diagnoses that have been hypothetically linked to developmental (prenatal) vitamin D deficiency, schizophrenia and autism, had the lowest 25-OHD levels in this adult sample, supporting the notion that vitamin D deficiency may not only be a predisposing developmental factor but also relate to the adult patients' psychiatric state. This is further supported by the considerable psychiatric improvement that coincided with vitamin D treatment in some of the patients whose deficiency was treated.

  • 35.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Reis, M.
    Department of clinical chemistry, Division of laboratory medicine, University health care in Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden.
    Paroxetine concentrations in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Support for a therapeutic interval2017In: European psychiatry, ISSN 0924-9338, E-ISSN 1778-3585, Vol. 41, no Suppl., p. S322-S322Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction: Previous studies of concentrations of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) versus therapeutic efficacy have yielded inconsistent results. Even if the relationships between the individual's serotonergic system and the clinical symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are poorly understood, the SRIs are consistently effective in OCD. However, studies on SRI concentrations in OCD treatment are rare.

    Objectives/aims: To identify possible links between paroxetine concentrations and anti-obsessive response.

    Methods: In a randomised, double-blind trial, comparing clomipramine, paroxetine and placebo in OCD treatment, serum paroxetine levels were measured after 1 week and after 4 weeks of treatment in 18 patients. Anti-obsessive response was assessed with Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) and patients’ global evaluation (PGE), after 12 weeks of treatment.

    Results: Serum paroxetine concentrations after 4 weeks suggested a therapeutic interval between 50 and 240 nmol/L (13–63 ng/mL). The mean Y-BOCS decrease was 54% inside versus 7% outside this interval (t = 3.96; P = 0.0011).

    Conclusions: Paroxetine levels seemingly predicted clinical outcome. Studies with a greater number of patients are necessary in order to confirm this finding and to discern whether it is useful in clinical practice.

  • 36.
    Humble, Mats B.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Örebro University Hospital. Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro, Sweden.
    Uvnäs-Moberg, Kerstin
    Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden .
    Engström, Ingemar
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Plasma oxytocin changes and anti-obsessive response during serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment: a placebo controlled study2013In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 13, p. 344-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The drug treatments of choice for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). However, a correlation between the neuropeptide oxytocin in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of OCD has previously been shown, and oxytocin and serotonin are interconnected within the brain. Few studies have investigated whether SRIs have any effect on oxytocin; thus, our aim was to explore the possibility that oxytocinergic mechanisms contribute to the anti-obsessive effect of SRIs.

    Method: In a randomized, double-blind trial, comparing SRIs (clomipramine and paroxetine) with placebo in 36 adults with OCD (characterized for subtypes), plasma oxytocin was measured with radioimmunoassay after plasma extraction, at baseline, after 1 week, and after 4 weeks of treatment, and related to baseline severity and clinical response after 12 weeks, as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).

    Results: Baseline oxytocin levels correlated positively with baseline Y-BOCS ratings, but only among the future SRI responders. Patients with early onset of OCD had higher baseline oxytocin. During treatment, plasma oxytocin did not differ between SRI and placebo treatment. In SRI responders, plasma oxytocin first decreased and then increased; in non-responders (to SRI as well as to placebo), the reverse was the case. After 4 weeks, treatment responders had attained higher oxytocin levels compared to non-responders. The intra-individual range (i.e. the variability) of plasma oxytocin between measurements was the measure that best differentiated responders from non-responders. This range was higher in responders than non-responders, and lower in patients with autistic traits.

    Conclusions: SRIs have highly variable effects on plasma oxytocin between individuals. The associations between baseline oxytocin and OCD severity and between oxytocin changes and treatment response support the notions that oxytocin is involved in OCD pathophysiology, and that the anti-obsessive effects of SRIs are partly exerted through oxytocinergic mechanisms.

    Download full text (pdf)
    Plasma oxytocin changes and anti-obsessive response during serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment: a placebo controlled study
  • 37.
    Humble, Mats
    et al.
    Psychiatry of Northern Dalecarlia, Mora Hospital, Mora, Sweden; Karolinska Institutet, Division of Psychiatry, Danderyd Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Department of Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Bergqvist, P. B.
    Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Bengtsson, F.
    Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Lund University, Lund Sweden; Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Division of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
    Reactivity of serotonin in whole blood: relationship with drug response in obsessive-compulsive disorder2001In: Biological Psychiatry, ISSN 0006-3223, E-ISSN 1873-2402, Vol. 49, no 4, p. 360-368Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder responds almost only to potent serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Previous studies have suggested a relation between serotonergic function and clinical outcome in serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    Methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial, comparing clomipramine, paroxetine, and a placebo in obsessive-compulsive disorder, serotonin levels in whole blood (WB-5-HT) were measured at baseline, after 1 week, and after 4 weeks of treatment and related to clinical outcome in 36 patients.

    Results: In patients treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors there was a pronounced decrease of WB-5-HT, variable after 1 week and uniformly maximal after 4 weeks. The decrease of WB-5-HT after 1 week of serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment correlated negatively with clinical outcome after 12 weeks (r = -.61, p =.0006); hence, patients with slower WB-5-HT reactivity eventually responded better to treatment. Baseline WB-5-HT, but not WB-5-HT reactivity, was related to season. Depression, autistic traits, and previous serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment predicted nonresponse.

    Conclusions: A fast decrease of WB-5-HT was associated with poor clinical outcome. This may be related to faster serotonin efflux from platelets, which has previously been linked to autism. Further studies are necessary to identify the underlying mechanism and discern whether serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced WB-5-HT decrease is clinically useful.

  • 38.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bartoszek, Jakub
    School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Särndahl, Eva
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Increased inflammasome activity in markedly ill psychiatric patients: An explorative study2020In: Journal of Neuroimmunology, ISSN 0165-5728, E-ISSN 1872-8421, Vol. 339, article id 577119Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of this study was to investigate inflammatory perturbations in 40 patients with severe and complex psychiatric disorders by studying the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome, with a trans-diagnostic approach. Gene expression of CASP1, NLRP3, PYCARD, IL1B, IL1RN, TNF showed a significant increase in the patient group compared to a matched control group. Plasma levels of IL1Ra, IL-18, TNF, IL-6 and CRP were increased in the patient group. Within the patient group, increased gene expression of inflammatory markers correlated with increased disease severity. The findings support the inflammation hypothesis for markedly ill psychiatric patients across diagnostic groups.

  • 39.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    McGlinchey, Aidan J
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Oresic, Matej
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Särndahl, Eva
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Hyötyläinen, Tuulia
    Örebro University, School of Science and Technology.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Potential Transdiagnostic Lipid Mediators of Inflammatory Activity in Individuals With Serious Mental Illness2021In: Frontiers in Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1664-0640, Vol. 12, article id 778325Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 40.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Särndahl, Eva
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Hyötyläinen, Tuulia
    Örebro University, School of Science and Technology.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Salihovic, Samira
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Man-Technology-Environment Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Elevated plasma levels of polyamines and kynurenines in individuals with psychiatric disordersManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 41.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Särndahl, Eva
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Hyötyläinen, Tuulia
    Örebro University, School of Science and Technology.
    Salihovic, Samira
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Man-Technology-Environment Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Individuals with severe psychiatric disorders display altered pattern of plasma immunometabolitesManuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 42.
    Hylén, Ulrika
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Örebro University Hospital. University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden. ulrika.hylen@oru.se.
    Särndahl, Eva
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Hyötyläinen, Tuulia
    Örebro University, School of Science and Technology.
    Salihovic, Samira
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Man-Technology-Environment Research Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Eklund, Daniel
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre, (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Alterations in inflammasome-related immunometabolites in individuals with severe psychiatric disorders2023In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 23, no 1, article id 268Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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.

  • 43.
    Klang, Albin
    et al.
    School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Westerberg, Britta
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    The impact of schizotypy on quality of life among adults with autism spectrum disorder2022In: BMC Psychiatry, E-ISSN 1471-244X, Vol. 22, no 1, article id 205Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    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).

  • 44.
    Manouilenko, Irina
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Järva Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Spånga, Sweden.
    Eriksson, Jonna M.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Örebro University Hospital.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University Hospital. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Minor physical anomalies in adults with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls2014In: Autism Research and Treatment, ISSN 2090-1925, E-ISSN 2090-1933, article id 743482Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Minor Physical Anomalies (MPAs) are subtle abnormalities of the head, face, and limbs, without significant cosmetic or functional impact to the individual. They are assumed to represent external markers of developmental deviations during foetal life. MPAs have been suggested to indicate severity in mental illness and constitute external markers for atypical brain development. Higher frequencies of MPAs can be found in children with autism. The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence and patterns of MPAs in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to investigate whether MPAs are associated with symptom severity and overall functioning. Fifty adults with ASD and intelligence within the normal range and 53 healthy controls were examined with the Waldrop scale, an instrument for assessing MPAs. Face and feet were photographed enabling blinded assessment. Significant differences between the ASD and the control group were found on the MPA total scores, and also in the craniofacial region scores. Moreover, the shape of the ears was associated with autistic traits, in the ASD group. High MPA total scores were associated with poorer functioning. The findings suggest a link between MPAs, autistic traits, and level of functioning. Assessment of MPAs may assist in the diagnostic procedure of psychiatric disorders.

    Download full text (pdf)
    Minor Physical Anomalies in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Healthy Controls
  • 45.
    Manouilenko, Irina
    et al.
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Järva psychiatric out-patient clinic, Praktikertjänst AB, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Georgieva, Jeanette
    Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Bejerot, Susanne
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; University Health Care Research Centre, Region Örebro County, Örebro, Sweden.
    Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders in adults: A blinded study2017In: Psychiatry Research, ISSN 0165-1781, E-ISSN 1872-7123, Vol. 257, p. 21-26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The aim of the present study was to examine the clinical utility of complex auditory brainstem response (c-ABR) and investigate if c-ABR is helpful in the diagnostic procedure. Thirty-one adult psychiatric patients, thoroughly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (n=16), ADHD (n=8), or schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) (n=7) and 15 healthy controls (HC), were blindly assessed with SensoDetect BERA. This c-ABR correctly identified psychiatric diagnoses in 4 patients (13%) and provided partially correct diagnoses in 11 more patients. Of the 15 HC, 6 were misclassified as psychiatric patients. The Cohen´s kappa coefficient (κ) was substantial for HC (κ=0.67), fair for SSD (κ=0.37), slight for ADHD (κ=0.09) and without agreement in ASD (κ=-0.03). In conclusion, we found the c-ABR method unhelpful and unreliable as a tool in clinical diagnostics.

  • 46.
    Meehan, Adrian D.
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Department of Geriatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Department of Psychiatry, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Yazarloo, Payam
    Department of Psychiatry, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden .
    Järhult, Johannes
    Department of Surgery, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden .
    Wallin, Göran
    Örebro University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Sweden. Department of Surgery, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    The prevalence of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism in a large Swedish population attending psychiatric outpatient units2015In: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, ISSN 0271-0749, E-ISSN 1533-712X, Vol. 35, no 3, p. 279-285Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: This retrospective study determined the prevalence of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism (LHPT) in 2 geographically defined, equivalent populations in Sweden, with no other selection bias.

    Methods: The medical journals of all patients receiving lithium treatment were examined specifically regarding their biochemistry: calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), creatinine, and vitamin D. The condition LHPT was defined biochemically. All patient data were noted, and the prevalence of the condition could thereby be calculated.

    Results: A total of 423 patients were included (251 women and 172 men; 3: 2), treated over a mean of 13.5 years (range, 1-46 years), aged 19 to 92. 77 patients (18%) were identified with LHTP whose median serum calcium-was 2.55 mmol/L and PTH was 99 ng/L. A further 21% showed tendencies toward hypercalcemia. Forty-three percent had vitamin D insufficiency. Five patients (approximately 1%) had undergone parathyroidectomy.

    Conclusion: The prevalence of LHPT is high and often goes undetected. Vitamin D insufficiency is common as is polypharmacy. Surgery, for unclear reasons, has not been performed extensively, possibly because of limited knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology or surgery's significance. We present standard recommendations on patient management and suggest continual, specific follow-up including the monitoring of calcium, PTH, and vitamin D at least annually. Surgery should be considered with intention to improve psychiatric well-being and provide multiorgan protection.

  • 47.
    Meehan, Adrian David
    et al.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Department of Geriatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Humble, Mats B.
    Örebro University, School of Medical Sciences. Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden.
    Yazarloo, Payam
    Department of Psychiatry, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden .
    Järhult, Johannes
    Department of Surgery, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden .
    Wallin, Göran
    Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
    Reply to comments From Dr Lozano, et al - Concerning the prevalence of lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism2016In: Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, ISSN 0271-0749, E-ISSN 1533-712X, Vol. 36, no 2, p. 191-192Article in journal (Refereed)
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