Sponsored Links

 

Compare and contrast: austism and schizophrenia

which

A professor at UT Dallas is studying the differences and similarities between autism and schizophrenia to help create better strategies for both.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia are distinctly different social impairments with unique symptomology. Still, they share similarities. So much so that for years doctors had a hard differentiating between the two disorders.

Dr. Noah Sasson, assistant professor in the UT Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, has been comparing and contrasting. ASD can be seen early in life while schizophrenia occurs later in young adulthood. Schizophrenics experience hallucinations and delusional thoughts which is rarely true for autism.

Similarly, social cues are missed by both groups. There is difficulty identifying emotion. Often, they alienate other people because they misunderstand these cues. Sasson is attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms that make social interaction difficult for both autism and schizophrenia.

“Because the two disorders are different in so many ways it is likely that the basis for their social impairments differs as well,” Sasson explained. “Understanding the differences will be key for developing effective treatments. What works well for individuals with ASD might be very different than those with schizophrenia.”

Sasson has already discovered that both schizophrenics and those with ASD use eye tracking differently from those without either disorder. His team also found that the part of the brain that processes social information is underactive for both disorders. There are also differences. Those with ASD do not spontaneously adjust to emotional situations while schizophrenics do. Paranoia might be shared by both groups, but the cause is different.

Sasson hopes his team can find new ways to counteract the social isolation many in both groups experience.

Source: ScienceDaily, University of Texas - Dallas

call now icon Free Treatment Assessment
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311

 

OCD Self Test

Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD?
Take the Self Test now to get more information.


 

Sponsored Links

 

 
disclaimer

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.

Free Treatment Assessment
Call Now—Help Available 24/7 (877) 331-9311

Sign up for our newsletter to receive mental health Information & Inspiration

Email

Sponsored Links

You May Also Want To Read

 

Other People Are Also Reading

 

Online Support Groups

visit SupportGroups.com

SupportGroups.com provides a support network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get a helping hand in a confidential, caring environment.

Support Groups

 

BrainPhysics.com Social

randomness