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People with autism and autism spectrum disorders have problems with communication, behavior, and socializing, and many also have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The cause of autism is not known, but previous research has suggested an association between autism and immune changes in the brain. Researchers are interested in using the experimental radioactive drug (11C)PBR28, which attaches to a target in the brain that is involved in immune changes. Using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of people with and without autism, researchers will see if there are greater immune changes in people with autism.
Objectives:
- To determine if positron emission tomography scanning can be used to evaluate changes in an immune system target in the brains of people with autism. Eligibility: - Individuals between 18 and 45 years of age who have been diagnosed with either autism or autism spectrum disorders, or are healthy volunteers. -Individuals must be in good health, with no history of serious head trauma. Design:
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Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health are seeking toddlers 10-14 or 16-20 months of age with language delays, such as having no words at 16-20 months of age or only limited vocalizations at 10-14 months of age, or with typical language development to participate in a study of language delay as a risk factor for autism (Protocol: 11-M-0144, "Markers of Autism Spectrum Disorders in At-risk Toddlers: A Pilot Study").
The purpose of this study is to examine early language delay as a risk factor for autism and to examine how these delays correlate with brain structure and function. The study involves an initial evaluation that will include a caregiver interview and behavioral and language assessments of the child. Following the initial evaluation, participants will have an overnight EEG and an MRI scan of the brain. Follow-up outpatient visits without an EEG or MRI will occur every 6-12 months. The final study visit will occur at 36 months of age and will involve repeating behavioral assessments, sleep EEG recording, and MRI scan.
This study will involve both outpatient and inpatient visits and will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Compensation will be provided. If you are interested please call 301-435-7962 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010) or e-mail NIMH-ASD@mail.nih.gov. National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services.
For more information on patient recruitment please visit the following web page: http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov/AutismPediatric.aspx or fill out this form. |
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If your child suddenly developed obsessive or repetitive thoughts and behavior after a strep (streptococcal) infection, he or she may have PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection). We are currently accepting children (aged 4 to 12 years old) with PANDAS into a study investigating whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improves the symptoms of PANDAS. Intravenous immunoglobulin is FDA-approved for primary immunodeficiency states and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Its use in this study is experimental.
During the first 5-day inpatient stay, some children will receive IVIG, and some children will receive a placebo (intravenous salt water with no active ingredient). After 6 weeks, children with severe persistent symptoms may receive IVIG during a second 5-day inpatient stay. Two additional one- or two-day evaluations 3 and 6 months after the first study visit are required. There is no cost to participate in this study, and travel and lodging assistance will be provided. Parental consent is required. Children will also continue to be followed by their own physician while in this study. To find out if your child qualifies or for more information, please call Rachel Kushner at Yale (203-737-5588) or Lorraine Lougee at NIH (301-435-6652) (TTY# 1-866-411-1010) or email us at Rachel.Kuschner@yale.edu or lougeel@mail.nih.gov. |
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This research study investigates the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on brain activity in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This outpatient study will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There will be an initial screening appointment and 3 visits of about 2.5 hours each. During each visit, participants will receive a nasal spray containing either drug (vasopressin or oxytocin) or placebo (a solution containing no medication). After receiving the nasal spray, participants will be scanned while performing various computer-generated tasks. Right-handed individuals between 18 and 40 years of age who have been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) may be eligible to participate. There is no cost for participation. Compensation will be provided. To find out if you qualify or for more information, please call 301-451-7822 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010) or e-mail nimh-asd@mail.nih.gov . National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services
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