A recent study found that even a slight stress can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mice with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers discovered a reciprocal relationship between the two conditions, indicating a susceptibility to PTSD in ASD and showing that core autism traits worsen when traumatic memories are formed. This groundbreaking study was conducted by the Queensland Brain Institute.The research by Bed and Dr. Nathalie Dehorter showed a mutual relationship between the two disorders. They found a tendency for PTSD in those with ASD and observed that the core traits of autism worsen when traumatic memories are formed.
Recent human studies have brought attention to the coexistence of ASD and PTSD, but the connection between the two disorders is often overlooked and not well understood.
“Our goal was to determine how often traumatic stress occurs in individuals with ASD, and to gain insight into the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the reported predisposition to PTSD,” Dr. Al Abed explained.
ASD and PTSD have similar characteristics, including Impaired emotional regulation, altered explicit memory, and difficulties with fear conditioning are all common characteristics of ASD.
In four mouse models of ASD, it was shown that a single mild stress can lead to the formation of a traumatic memory.
On the other hand, in a control population, PTSD is typically triggered by extreme stress.
The unique perception of stress in ASD that leads to the formation of PTSD was the focus of our study.
The prefrontal cortex, located in the front part of the brain, is a highly specialised area that plays a crucial role in social cognition and behaviour.
Dr. Dehorter explained that dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex is a significant factor in ASD.The prefrontal cortex has been connected to both disorders. “We found specific changes in the cortical circuit that cause the transition from forming a normal memory to a PTSD-like memory during times of stress,” explained Dr. Dehorter. In the prefrontal cortex, there are specialized cells known as interneurons, which are essential for the adaptation of fear memory and regular sensory function, and they play a significant role in stress-related disorders. The development of PTSD-like memories is caused by the excessive activation of the prefrontal cortex, which is present in ASD and disrupts the balance of these cortical circuits. The abilities of interneurons t.response to stress is changed in individuals with ASD, which can exacerbate their autism symptoms after experiencing a traumatic memory. “We didn’t expect that the development of a traumatic memory would intensify the social and behavioral challenges in ASD,” said one expert. However, there is hope as behavioral therapy can significantly improve ASD symptoms that were exacerbated by stress once the traumatic memories are successfully recontextualized. This finding supports the idea that the two conditions are closely connected and may impact the approach healthcare professionals take in treating their patients.awareness of the potential for PTSD and the effectiveness of behavioral therapy in treating it could influence the way stress is managed in ASD. This research was published in iScience.
