NIMH Launches 3 New Clinical Studies

The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)  has launched three major clinical studies on autism which, it is hoped, will define different subtypes of autism spectrum disorders as well as explore possible treatments. As reported in the NIMH’s September 7^th press release:

1. One study will define differences—both biological and behavioral—in autistic children with diverse developmental histories. Increasingly, scientists are considering the likelihood of “autisms,” that is, multiple disorders that comprise autism [such as “regressive” vs. “non-regressive” autism.]
2. In another study, NIMH researchers will examine the use of the antibiotic minocycline to measure its usefulness in treating regressive autism. Past research suggests that autism may be linked with changes in the immune response that cause inflammation in the brain.
3. The third study seeks to address the widespread but unproven theory that autism may be treated successfully by chelation therapy, which seeks to remove heavy metals from the blood.

The NIMH’s September 7^th ’s press release regarding these studies can be found here.