Publications by authors named "Allyson Witters Cundiff"

Article Synopsis
  • Oxytocin (OT) is a crucial neuropeptide linked to social behavior and motivation, and its effectiveness in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown mixed results.
  • A study examined the relationship between genetic and epigenetic factors and OT levels in 290 ASD participants involved in an OT clinical trial.
  • The researchers found new genetic connections to OT levels, linked to known ASD risk genes, and significant associations between OT levels and genetic expression or epigenetic changes, potentially aiding future research on ASD and OT therapy.
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Background: Experimental studies and small clinical trials have suggested that treatment with intranasal oxytocin may reduce social impairment in persons with autism spectrum disorder. Oxytocin has been administered in clinical practice to many children with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: We conducted a 24-week, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of intranasal oxytocin therapy in children and adolescents 3 to 17 years of age with autism spectrum disorder.

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This is an updated review of child and adolescent somatic disorders associated with psychosis/psychotic symptoms, organized into neurologic, infectious, genetic, inborn errors of metabolism, autoimmune, rheumatologic, endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and iatrogenic categories. When possible clinical manifestations or types of psychotic symptoms and proposed neuropathogenesis causing the neuropsychiatric symptoms are included. In some cases, the psychiatric symptoms may be the first presentation of the disease.

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Despite the majority of patients with anti-N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody encephalitis presenting with catatonic symptoms, the literature has not focused on well-known treatments for catatonia, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The authors review the literature identifying case reports that document the effective use of ECT for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. They also identify gaps in the literature regarding use and documentation of ECT and review possible mechanisms of action for ECT.

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