The UCLA-University of Utah Epidemiologic Survey of Autism: the etiologic role of rare diseases

Article Abstract:

The UCLA-University of Utah Epidemiologic Survey of Autism is a large-scale study which was conducted within the population of the state of Utah. Autism is a behavioral disorder of unknown origin which usually becomes apparent by the age of three years. It includes disturbances of development and language, an inability to relate to others, repetitive behaviors, and abnormal sensory responses. To explore the origin of this disorder, the possibility of co-existing diseases was examined. A total of 233 autistic patients were involved in the study, of which 11 percent (26 subjects) had one of 12 rare diseases associated with disturbance of the central nerve system. These diseases included viral and bacterial infections, genetic abnormalities, and metabolic disorders. It was concluded that the autism was a result of the concurrent disease in these 26 children. The group was distinguished by central nervous system symptoms and they also generally had lower IQs than the other autistic children. In all other respects these children were clinically undistinguished from the other autistic children, which may account for the fact that this subgroup has not been previously recognized. Features that characterized the group as a whole included abnormal EEGs and seizures. However, those with concurrent disease did not have significantly different results on any of the tests performed. These data support the hypothesis that autism can be the result of a variety of other diseases which cause disturbances of the central nervous system. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Causes of, Diseases, Autism, Autistic children

---

Prevalence estimates of pathological gambling in New Jersey and Maryland

Article Abstract:

As a follow-up to a 1988 survey of problem gamblers in New York State, the gambling behavior of 1,750 adults in New Jersey and Maryland was surveyed. A 20-item South Oaks Gambling Screen was used to rate problem and pathological gamblers. Prevalence rates for problem and probable pathological gamblers in New Jersey and Maryland were very similar to those found in New York. Forty-four percent of all respondents were men, 19 percent were nonwhite, and nine percent had not graduated from high school. The gamblers were 68 percent male, 36 percent nonwhite, and 16 percent not high school graduates. Characteristics of individuals in compulsive gambling treatment programs in these three states showed that the gamblers in the general public are more likely to be women, more likely to be nonwhite, and less likely to have finished high school than the gamblers in treatment. One explanation was that Gamblers Anonymous gets referrals from within its members who tend to be predominantly middle-class white men, and the programs tend to be located in middle-class neighborhoods. These findings carry implications for prevention and treatment intervention approaches in these states.

Social aspects, Research, Maryland, Gamblers, Compulsive gambling, Middle Atlantic States (United States), Middle Atlantic States

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The poverty game and the pension game: the role of reciprocity. Conformity and reciprocity in public good provision
• Abstracts: Mental health services in New York City. Epidemiological perspectives on the health of New York City. Historical perspectives on New York City health
• Abstracts: Delivery of mental health services in the changing health care system. A meaningful role for graduate students in Disaster Mental Health Services
• Abstracts: A critical review of epidemiological studies of Puerto Rican mental health. The pharmacology of stuttering: a critical review
• Abstracts: Neurasthenia and chronic fatigue syndrome: the role of culture in the making of a diagnosis. Characteristics of 60 adult chronic hair pullers

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.