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Molecular Autism
Published in: Molecular Autism 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Uncovering steroidopathy in women with autism: a latent class analysis

Authors: Alexa Pohl, Sarah Cassidy, Bonnie Auyeung, Simon Baron-Cohen

Published in: Molecular Autism | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Prenatal exposure to increased androgens has been implicated in both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum conditions (ASC), suggesting that PCOS may be increased among women with ASC. One study suggested elevated steroidopathic symptoms (‘steroidopathy’) in women with ASC. As the symptoms are not independent, we conducted a latent class analysis (LCA). The objectives of the current study are: (1) to test if these findings replicate in a larger sample; and (2) to use LCA to uncover affected clusters of women with ASC.

Methods

We tested two groups of women, screened using the Autism Spectrum Quotient - Group 1: n = 415 women with ASC (mean age 36.39 ± 11.98 years); and Group 2: n = 415 controls (mean age 39.96 ± 11.92 years). All participants completed the Testosterone-related Medical Questionnaire online. A multiple-group LCA was used to identify differences in latent class structure between women with ASC and controls.

Results

There were significant differences in frequency of steroid-related conditions and symptoms between women with ASC and controls. A two-class semi-constrained model best fit the data. Based on response patterns, we identified the classes as ‘Typical’ and ‘Steroidopathic’. The prevalence of the ‘Steroidopathic’ class was significantly increased within the ASC group (ΔG2 = 15, df =1, P = 0.0001). In particular, we confirmed higher frequencies of epilepsy, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, severe acne, gender dysphoria, and transsexualism, and differences in sexual preference in women with ASC.

Conclusions

Women with ASC are at increased risk for symptoms and conditions linked to steroids. LCA revealed this steroidopathy despite the apparent underdiagnosis of PCOS.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Uncovering steroidopathy in women with autism: a latent class analysis
Authors
Alexa Pohl
Sarah Cassidy
Bonnie Auyeung
Simon Baron-Cohen
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Autism / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 2040-2392
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/2040-2392-5-27

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Molecular Autism 1/2014 Go to the issue

Methodology

Rating scale measures are associated with Noldus EthoVision-XT video tracking of behaviors of children on the autism spectrum

Research

Dysregulation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), aromatase (CYP19A1), and ER co-activators in the middle frontal gyrus of autism spectrum disorder subjects

Research

Facing the challenge of teaching emotions to individuals with low- and high-functioning autism using a new Serious game: a pilot study

Research

Rare deleterious mutations of the gene EFR3A in autism spectrum disorders

Short report

Transcriptomic changes in the frontal cortex associated with paternal age

Research

Gender differences in emotionality and sociability in children with autism spectrum disorders