Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to characterize the levels of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in adult patients with Asperger syndrome (AS).
Methods: Twenty medication-free individuals with high-functioning AS were recruited from a clinic specialized in autism spectrum disorders. Ten age-matched healthy persons (hospital staff or students) with no neuropsychiatric disorders served as controls. Blood samples for the assessment were collected at 8:00 a.m.
Results: The patients with AS had significantly higher plasma-ACTH values than did the healthy controls. Plasma-cortisol levels were similar in both groups.
Conclusion: Increased plasma-ACTH levels are associated with AS. Future studies are needed to clarify whether this finding is a biological consequence of chronic anxiety and elevated stress, or a sign of facilitated response to an acute novel stressor.
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