Dopaminergic Functioning in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Completed

Sex: Not specified

Target Recruitment: 69

Inclusion Criteria

1. DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Patients only, for controls this is an exclusion criterion, see below).
2. Age: 18-30 years.

Exclusion Criteria

1. DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Healthy controls only)
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder due to a known organic disorder (*Syndromal ASD*, e.g., due to Fragile X syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, 22q11 deletion syndrome).
3. Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy) or evidence of brain damage.
4. History of meningitis.
5. Intellectual disability (IQ<85).
6. Non-affective Psychotic Disorder or Bipolar Disorder (DSM-5: 297.1, 298.8, 295.40, 295.90, 295.70, 292.9, 291.9, 293.81, 293.82, 293.89, 298.9, 296.89, 303.13, 293.83, 296.89, 296.80, 296.4x, 296.5x, 296.7).
7. Social exclusion due to other causes than ASD: visible ethnic minority status, serious physical disability, serious visual or hearing impairment; at discretion of the researcher.
8. Current use of drugs (XTC, cocaine, etc.). Use of cannabis is allowed, but should have been stopped at least one month before the study. Cannabis abuse earlier in life is not allowed.
9. Alcohol- or drug abuse or dependence (DSM-5).
10. Use of an antipsychotic (ever) if prescribed for a psychotic disorder, as a former psychotic disorder is an exclusion criterion. Occasionally, antipsychotics are prescribed against e.g. anxiety or aggression. In these cases:
a) Incidental former use of antipsychotic is allowed, if last use has been more than a year ago.
b) Regular former use of antipsychotic is allowed, if last use has been more than two years ago.
c) Antipsychotic formerly administered as depot medication is allowed, if last injection has been more than two years ago.
11. Use of the antipsychotic quetiapine (ever), if prescribed in relation to a psychotic disorder. However, quetiapine is often prescribed against sleep difficulties and has a low affinity to dopamine receptors. In these cases:
a) Consumption is allowed if previously consumed in a low dose (*50mg), but last use has been more than 3 months ago.
b) Consumption is allowed if previously consumed in a high dose (>50mg), but last use has been more than 6 months ago.
12. Current use of ADHD medication (e.g. methylphenidate). Individuals who have stopped using these drugs for at least one year can participate in the study.
13. Current use of benzodiazepine or promethazine, unless last use has been more than 1 month ago.
14. Current use of other psychotropic drugs. Individuals who have stopped using the drugs for at least 3 months can participate in the study.
15. Smoking during the period of three hours prior to the PET/CT scan and eating or using caffeinated drinks during the period of six hours prior to the PET/CT-scan.
16. Participation in a scientific examination where radiation was used, in the last year.
17. Positive urine drug screen on the day of the PET/CT scan. Participants will be tested on cannabis, amphetamine, XTC, cocaine and opiates.
18. In women: positive pregnancy test on the day of the PET/CT scan and lactation.
19. Metal objects in or around the body.

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>Parameters for the first main objective (1a): [18F]DOPA influx (Ki) value and<br /><br>Degree of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) in patients with ASD.<br /><br>Parameter for the second main objective (1b): [18F]DOPA influx (Ki) value in<br /><br>patients with ASD and healthy control participants. </p><br>

Secondary Outcome Measures