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A series of three scientific articles explore the link between the onset of psychiatric symptoms in adolescence in people with Phelan McDermid Syndrome, or PMS. PMS is caused by a mutation in the SHANK3 gene, leading to a wide range of medical, behavioral and intellectual challenges, as well as autism spectrum disorder. Scientists used a broad literature review as well as the PMS patient registry to better describe what was going on, and a group at Duke compiled a case series of girls affected that were responsive to treatment. While so far this decompensation as a result of onset of psychiatric illness has only been documented in PMS, families across the spectrum should be aware so they can seek immediate help for their child if they see similar symptoms.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32050889
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31879555
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32015180
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This week’s headlines were focused on the new prevalence numbers of 1:40. They were not calculated using the same method as the 1:59 number, so should not be compared. In addition to looking at just prevalence, this survey identified a major problem for families, which is unmet mental health needs. Those with autism have higher unmet mental health needs than those with ADHD, anxiety or depression. Again, there is something unique about an autism diagnosis which poses a challenge to accessing care. In addition, a new summary paper outlined what needs to be done to better study regression in autism. The rate may be higher than you think if a new definition of regression is used.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30478241
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30475449
