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A Danish population-based twin study on autism spectrum disorders
Claudia Nordenbæk1, Meta Jørgensen, Kirsten Ohm Kyvik
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Odense, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark, claudia@dadlnet.dk.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|May 11, 2013
Summary
This study investigated genetic factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using Danish twins. High concordance in identical twins (monozygotic) and low concordance in fraternal twins (dizygotic) strongly suggest a genetic basis for ASDs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Population-based genetic epidemiological studies with high diagnostic validity are crucial for understanding ASD etiology.
- Previous research indicates a significant genetic contribution to ASDs, but robust twin studies are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic heritability of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using a population-based twin cohort.
- To determine the concordance rates for ASDs in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
- To provide robust evidence for the genetic etiology of ASDs.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide Danish Twin Registry cohort of same-sexed twins aged 3-14 years was utilized.
- A three-step assessment procedure involved validated screening questionnaires (CBCL, SCQ, ASSQ) followed by gold-standard clinical diagnostic assessments.
- Diagnostic classification was based on DSM-IV-TR criteria.
Main Results:
- The study identified 36 twin pairs meeting ASD criteria after rigorous screening and assessment.
- A high probandwise concordance rate of 95.2% was observed in monozygotic (MZ) twins (n=13).
- A low probandwise concordance rate of 4.3% was found in dizygotic (DZ) twins (n=23).
Conclusions:
- The significantly higher concordance rate in MZ twins compared to DZ twins provides strong evidence for a substantial genetic influence on Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- These findings reinforce the role of genetic factors in the etiology of ASDs.
- The study highlights the utility of population-based twin registries for genetic epidemiological research in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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