ASD is difficult to recognize due to complex psychopathology & has a high comorbidity rate, such as with ED. Previous research notes significantly high Glu levels in the ACC of ASD youth, & correlations between Glu levels in the ACC & ED. Glu is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Glu, through activity at NMDA receptors, is crucial for neurodevelopmental processes, including neuronal plasticity & higher cognitive functioning. Over-activation of Glu is associated with excitotoxicity & apoptosis.
To operationalize ED, previous work by our group & others documented a profile of marked elevation of three Child Behavior Checklist subscales (Anxiety/Depression, Aggression & Attention [AAA profile]), which is associated with severe morbidity & dysfunction, including suicidality. Using this AAA profile, we compared dACC Glu levels in ASD subjects with & without ED, & Healthy Controls (HCs).