Summary: Autistic people are particularly susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research demonstrates that even mild stressors, which typically do not affect others, can trigger PTSD in autistic people, exacerbating core autistic traits such as repetitive behaviors.
The study identifies specific alterations in the brain circuits of the prefrontal cortex responsible for this hypersensitivity. This research could revolutionize approaches to diagnosing and treating PTSD in autistic people, highlighting the need for tailored therapeutic interventions.
Highlights:
- Increased sensitivity: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can develop PTSD from mild stressors, highlighting their increased sensitivity to traumatic experiences.
- Brain circuit alterations: Researchers have identified changes in the brain’s prefrontal cortex that contribute to increased sensitivity to stress in ASD.
- Impact on autism traits: PTSD can worsen core traits of autism, such as repetitive behaviors, requiring specialized treatment strategies.
Source: Australian National University
People on the autism spectrum are predisposed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a new study from the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Queensland.
Research has also found that PTSD can lead to the worsening of core autism traits such as repetitive behaviors,
The study showed that although PTSD is usually triggered by extreme stress, even mild stress may be enough to produce a traumatic memory in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Lead author Dr Nathalie Dehorter said the study – carried out on mice – helped identify brain mechanisms that could be responsible for this event.
“Although increased sensitivity to stress and trauma is a growing concern in the field of ASD, its consequences have been largely overlooked until now,” said Dr. Dehorter.
“We were able to show the specific alteration of brain circuits which is at the origin of hypersensitivity to stress in ASD. We know what is happening at the cellular and structural level in the prefrontal cortex.
Lead author of the study, Dr Shaam Al Abed, said: “Understanding this hypersensitivity is crucial to treating these traumatic memories with the appropriate behavioral therapy. By recontextualizing the traumatic memory, we can hopefully alleviate the worsening of these core traits.
Dr Al Abed said the findings could help both clinicians and people on the autism spectrum.
“PTSD associated with autism is currently difficult to diagnose,” she said.
“If we can understand a little more about the underlying mechanisms, it will go a long way to ensuring that people manage their symptoms appropriately.” »
According to the researchers, the study also supports the idea that everyday situations – such as entering a particularly noisy or unfamiliar environment – can be experienced as traumatic by neurodivergent populations.
The study calls for greater awareness of PTSD in autism, to enable effective intervention with those most likely to experience trauma.
“Rapid detection seems essential, especially if PTSD can worsen core ASD traits,” Dr. Dehorter said.
“We need more research on the overlap between these two conditions.”
About this research news on PTSD and autism
Author: Jessica Fagan
Source: Australian National University
Contact: Jessica Fagan – Australian National University
Picture: Image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Free access.
“Parvalbumin interneuron activity in autism underlies susceptibility to PTSD-like memory formation” by Nathalie Dehorter et al. iScience
Abstract
Parvalbumin interneuron activity in autism underlies susceptibility to PTSD-like memory formation
Strong points
- This study demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between ASD and PTSD-like memory
- Recontextualization is a behavioral strategy to treat PTSD-related amnesia
- Recontextualization Rescues PTSD-Like Memory in ASD and Core Trait Worsening
- Prefrontal parvalbumin interneurons are a target for treating PTSD-like memory in ASD
Summary
A growing concern in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increased sensitivity to trauma, the potential consequences of which have been overlooked, particularly in relation to the severity of ASD traits.
We first demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between ASD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reveal that exposure to a mildly stressful event induces PTSD-like memory in four mouse models of ASD.
We also establish an unintended consequence of stress, in that PTSD-like memory formation leads to worsening of core autistic traits.
Such susceptibility to developing PTSD-like memory in ASD arises from hyperactivation of the prefrontal cortex and impaired fine-tuning of parvalbumin interneuron firing.
Traumatic memory can be processed through recontextualization, thereby reducing the deleterious effects on core ASD symptoms in the Cntnap2 KO mouse model.
This study provides a neurobiological and psychological framework for future examination of the impact of PTSD-like memory in autism.
News Source : neurosciencenews.com
Gn Health
