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Autism and autistic-like disorders: the hypothalamic-pituita-ry-adrenal system as a model for research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

L.M.C. Jansen
Affiliation:
Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut, Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie, Universiteit van Utrecht, Academisch Ziekenhuis
C.C. Gispen-De Wied*
Affiliation:
Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut, Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie, Universiteit van Utrecht, Academisch Ziekenhuis
H. Van Engeland
Affiliation:
Onderzoeksschool Rudolf Magnus Instituut, Afdeling Kinder- en Jeugdpsychiatrie, Universiteit van Utrecht, Academisch Ziekenhuis
*
Academisch Ziekenhuis Utrecht, Hp A01.126, Postbus 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht

Summary

In this article an overview is given of the differential diagnosis of autism and autistic-like disorders. The diagnosis of the so-called ‘Multiple Complex Developmental Disorders’ (MCDD) as a distinct entity is discussed in relation to autism and schizophrenia.

Biological research and the relevance of results until recently are discussed. Finally, the importance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (HPA system) as a model for research is proposed. Research on the flexibility of this system may contribute in understanding the ways of stress processing in disorders like autism, MCDD and schizophrenia.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 1995

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