Marek Blatny - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marek Blatny

Research paper thumbnail of Personality Predictors of Successful Development: Toddler Temperament and Adolescent Personality Traits Predict Well-Being and Career Stability in Middle Adulthood

PLOS ONE, 2015

The aim of the study was to predict both adaptive psychological functioning (well-being) and adap... more The aim of the study was to predict both adaptive psychological functioning (well-being) and adaptive social functioning (career stability) in middle adulthood based on behaviors observed in toddlerhood and personality traits measured in adolescence. 83 people participated in an ongoing longitudinal study started in 1961 (58% women). Based on children's behavior in toddlerhood, three temperamental dimensions were identifiedpositive affectivity, negative affectivity and disinhibition. In adolescence, extraversion and neuroticism were measured at the age of 16 years. Various aspects of well-being were used as indicators of adaptive psychological functioning in adulthood: life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Career stability was used as an indicator of adaptive social functioning. Job careers of respondents were characterized as stable, unstable or changeable. Extraversion measured at the age of 16 proved to be the best predictor of well-being indicators; in case of self-efficacy it was also childhood disinhibition. Extraversion in adolescence, childhood disinhibition and negative affectivity predicted career stability. Findings are discussed in the context of a theoretical framework of higher order factors of the Big Five personality constructs, stability and plasticity.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of childhood malignancy treatment on quality of life: Preliminary results of the QOLOP project

On selecting a constituent part of MU the" Overview of publishing activities" page will... more On selecting a constituent part of MU the" Overview of publishing activities" page will be displayed with information relevant to the selected constituent part. The" Overview of publishing activities" page is not available for non-activated items.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Developmental Stage on the Relationship Between Severity of Late Effects of Anticancer Therapy and Perceived Quality of Life of Childhood Cancer Survivors

SAGE Open, 2013

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between severity of late effects and subje... more The present study aims to investigate the relationship between severity of late effects and subjective quality of life of childhood cancer survivors in different age brackets. The sample consisted of 147 cancer survivors (70 boys and 77 girls) aged 8 to 18 who were in remission 2 to 5 years. The analyses were carried out separately for younger (8-12 years) and older (13-19 years) age groups. Cancer survivors were asked to complete Minnesota-Minneapolis Quality of Life Instrument (MMQL) as well as other methods of measuring involvement in everyday life activities and parent-child interactions Social And Health Assessment (SAHA) were used. Severity of late effects was assessed on a 4-point scale in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. While severity of late effects correlated positively only with parental warmth in younger age bracket, there were many relationships between severity of late effects and quality of life in older age bracket. The difference between the two age brackets is explained by the fact that adolescents are able to assess the impact of the disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Personal growth in adults with chronically ill child

Research paper thumbnail of Antecedents and correlates of sense of coherence: A longitudinal perspective

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates

Psychology and Aging, 2009

College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in ... more College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence: Typology and Relation to Family Context

The Journal of Early Adolescence, 2013

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates

Psychology and Aging, 2009

College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in ... more College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Weight gain associated with atypical and typical antipsychotics during treatment of adolescent schizophrenic psychoses: A retrospective study

Neuro endocrinology letters, 2009

The aim of the study was to assess weight changes associated with certain atypical (AAP) and typi... more The aim of the study was to assess weight changes associated with certain atypical (AAP) and typical (TAP) antipsychotic drugs in patients with early-onset schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders. Our retrospective study included 109 patients (52 boys, 57 girls) with a mean age of 15.8 +/- 1.6 years. The patients were evaluated based to their medical records prior to starting therapy, and then after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of treatment. During the first week of treatment, the AAP group (n = 85; risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, and clozapine) gained 1.5% of baseline weight whereas the TAP group (n = 24; haloperidol, perphenazine, and sulpiride) gained only 0.2% (p = 0.049). Differences in relative changes between the two groups were not significant at weeks 3 and 6. Expressed as absolute values, patients in our sample gained an average of 3.4 kg (SD 3.2) on AAP and 2.0 kg (SD 3.9) on TAP during 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.335). Only the risperidone, olanzapine, and clozapine groups had sufficient numbers of patients to allow a comparison at the endpoint of the study (week 6). The patients gained, on average, 3.6 kg (SD 2.6) on risperidone, 4.4 kg (SD 2.5) on olanzapine, and 2.1 kg (SD 4.0) on clozapine during the six weeks of treatment (p = 0.286). In our study, we did not find a difference in weight gain between the AAP and TAP groups, as large as has been described in the literature. It also seems plausible that the unique and variable weight changes associated with individual AAPs in the pediatric population are different from those observed in the adult population.

Research paper thumbnail of EEG in Electroconvulsive Therapy: Is More Intensive Paroxysmal Activity Associated with a Higher Therapeutic Response?

Neuropsychobiology, 1996

EEG records of electroconvulsions were evaluated according to a five-point semiquantitative scale... more EEG records of electroconvulsions were evaluated according to a five-point semiquantitative scale grading the intensity of the paroxysmal activity. A more favorable therapeutic effect of ECT was found to be associated with more pronounced paroxysmal activity on the EEG. The role of this finding for the dosage of energy in the convulsive stimulus is discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of P.7.c.001 Onset of action of atypical and typical antipsychotics in the treatment of adolescent schizophrenic psychoses

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of P01.13 Clinical and eeg predictors of the therapepeutic outcome of electroconvulsive therapy

European Psychiatry, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of EEG abnormalities are not associated with symptom severity in child autism

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of P.6.011 Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2003

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Brief Report: Significant Differences in Perceived Odor Pleasantness Found in Children with ASD

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2011

The aim of our study was to explore possible differences in estimation of odor pleasantness in ch... more The aim of our study was to explore possible differences in estimation of odor pleasantness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to controls. Thirty-five patients with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism (mean age 10.8 ± 3.6 years; 31 boys) were compared with 35 healthy control subjects (mean age 10.4 ± 2.4 years; 28 boys). Odor pleasantness was assessed on a 5-point scale using the Sniffin’ Sticks test (Identification part of the test). Patients with ASD, compared to healthy controls, perceived the smell of cinnamon and pineapple as significantly less pleasant (p p

Research paper thumbnail of Structural MRI findings in child autism

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European child & adolescent psychiatry, 2005

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Assertive toddler, self-efficacious adult: Child temperament predicts personality over forty years

Personality and Individual Differences, 2007

The study deals with the prediction of adult personality from behaviors observed in the nursling ... more The study deals with the prediction of adult personality from behaviors observed in the nursling and toddler stages. The sample consisted of 83 participants (35 men and 48 women aged from 38 to 44 years) who had taken part in the longitudinal research of children and agreed to participate in the follow-up study of adults. For description of child behavior

Research paper thumbnail of Not EEG abnormalities but epilepsy is associated with autistic regression and mental functioning in childhood autism

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2004

■ Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association of epilepsy and EEG ... more ■ Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association of epilepsy and EEG abnormalities with autistic regression and mental retardation. We examined a group of 77 autistic children (61 boys, 16 girls) with an average age of 9.1 ± 5.3 years. Clinical interview, neurological examination focused on the evaluation of epilepsy, IQ testing, and 21-channel EEG (including night sleep EEG recording) were performed. Normal EEGs were observed in 44.4 % of the patients, non-epileptiform abnormal EEGs in 17.5 %, and abnormal EEGs with epileptiform discharges in 38.1 % of the patients. Epilepsy was found in 22.1 % of the subjects. A history of regression was reported in 25.8 % of the patients, 54.8 % of the sample had abnormal development during the first year of life, and 79.7 % of the patients were mentally retarded. Autistic regression was significantly more frequent in patients with epilepsy than in non-epileptic patients (p = 0.003). Abnormal development during the first year of life was significantly associated with epilepti-

Research paper thumbnail of Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Personality Predictors of Successful Development: Toddler Temperament and Adolescent Personality Traits Predict Well-Being and Career Stability in Middle Adulthood

PLOS ONE, 2015

The aim of the study was to predict both adaptive psychological functioning (well-being) and adap... more The aim of the study was to predict both adaptive psychological functioning (well-being) and adaptive social functioning (career stability) in middle adulthood based on behaviors observed in toddlerhood and personality traits measured in adolescence. 83 people participated in an ongoing longitudinal study started in 1961 (58% women). Based on children's behavior in toddlerhood, three temperamental dimensions were identifiedpositive affectivity, negative affectivity and disinhibition. In adolescence, extraversion and neuroticism were measured at the age of 16 years. Various aspects of well-being were used as indicators of adaptive psychological functioning in adulthood: life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Career stability was used as an indicator of adaptive social functioning. Job careers of respondents were characterized as stable, unstable or changeable. Extraversion measured at the age of 16 proved to be the best predictor of well-being indicators; in case of self-efficacy it was also childhood disinhibition. Extraversion in adolescence, childhood disinhibition and negative affectivity predicted career stability. Findings are discussed in the context of a theoretical framework of higher order factors of the Big Five personality constructs, stability and plasticity.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of childhood malignancy treatment on quality of life: Preliminary results of the QOLOP project

On selecting a constituent part of MU the" Overview of publishing activities" page will... more On selecting a constituent part of MU the" Overview of publishing activities" page will be displayed with information relevant to the selected constituent part. The" Overview of publishing activities" page is not available for non-activated items.

Research paper thumbnail of The Influence of Developmental Stage on the Relationship Between Severity of Late Effects of Anticancer Therapy and Perceived Quality of Life of Childhood Cancer Survivors

SAGE Open, 2013

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between severity of late effects and subje... more The present study aims to investigate the relationship between severity of late effects and subjective quality of life of childhood cancer survivors in different age brackets. The sample consisted of 147 cancer survivors (70 boys and 77 girls) aged 8 to 18 who were in remission 2 to 5 years. The analyses were carried out separately for younger (8-12 years) and older (13-19 years) age groups. Cancer survivors were asked to complete Minnesota-Minneapolis Quality of Life Instrument (MMQL) as well as other methods of measuring involvement in everyday life activities and parent-child interactions Social And Health Assessment (SAHA) were used. Severity of late effects was assessed on a 4-point scale in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. While severity of late effects correlated positively only with parental warmth in younger age bracket, there were many relationships between severity of late effects and quality of life in older age bracket. The difference between the two age brackets is explained by the fact that adolescents are able to assess the impact of the disease.

Research paper thumbnail of Personal growth in adults with chronically ill child

Research paper thumbnail of Antecedents and correlates of sense of coherence: A longitudinal perspective

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates

Psychology and Aging, 2009

College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in ... more College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence: Typology and Relation to Family Context

The Journal of Early Adolescence, 2013

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates

Psychology and Aging, 2009

College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in ... more College students (N ϭ 3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

Research paper thumbnail of Weight gain associated with atypical and typical antipsychotics during treatment of adolescent schizophrenic psychoses: A retrospective study

Neuro endocrinology letters, 2009

The aim of the study was to assess weight changes associated with certain atypical (AAP) and typi... more The aim of the study was to assess weight changes associated with certain atypical (AAP) and typical (TAP) antipsychotic drugs in patients with early-onset schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders. Our retrospective study included 109 patients (52 boys, 57 girls) with a mean age of 15.8 +/- 1.6 years. The patients were evaluated based to their medical records prior to starting therapy, and then after 1, 3, and 6 weeks of treatment. During the first week of treatment, the AAP group (n = 85; risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, and clozapine) gained 1.5% of baseline weight whereas the TAP group (n = 24; haloperidol, perphenazine, and sulpiride) gained only 0.2% (p = 0.049). Differences in relative changes between the two groups were not significant at weeks 3 and 6. Expressed as absolute values, patients in our sample gained an average of 3.4 kg (SD 3.2) on AAP and 2.0 kg (SD 3.9) on TAP during 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.335). Only the risperidone, olanzapine, and clozapine groups had sufficient numbers of patients to allow a comparison at the endpoint of the study (week 6). The patients gained, on average, 3.6 kg (SD 2.6) on risperidone, 4.4 kg (SD 2.5) on olanzapine, and 2.1 kg (SD 4.0) on clozapine during the six weeks of treatment (p = 0.286). In our study, we did not find a difference in weight gain between the AAP and TAP groups, as large as has been described in the literature. It also seems plausible that the unique and variable weight changes associated with individual AAPs in the pediatric population are different from those observed in the adult population.

Research paper thumbnail of EEG in Electroconvulsive Therapy: Is More Intensive Paroxysmal Activity Associated with a Higher Therapeutic Response?

Neuropsychobiology, 1996

EEG records of electroconvulsions were evaluated according to a five-point semiquantitative scale... more EEG records of electroconvulsions were evaluated according to a five-point semiquantitative scale grading the intensity of the paroxysmal activity. A more favorable therapeutic effect of ECT was found to be associated with more pronounced paroxysmal activity on the EEG. The role of this finding for the dosage of energy in the convulsive stimulus is discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of P.7.c.001 Onset of action of atypical and typical antipsychotics in the treatment of adolescent schizophrenic psychoses

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of P01.13 Clinical and eeg predictors of the therapepeutic outcome of electroconvulsive therapy

European Psychiatry, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of EEG abnormalities are not associated with symptom severity in child autism

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of P.6.011 Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2003

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Brief Report: Significant Differences in Perceived Odor Pleasantness Found in Children with ASD

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2011

The aim of our study was to explore possible differences in estimation of odor pleasantness in ch... more The aim of our study was to explore possible differences in estimation of odor pleasantness in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared to controls. Thirty-five patients with Asperger’s syndrome and high functioning autism (mean age 10.8 ± 3.6 years; 31 boys) were compared with 35 healthy control subjects (mean age 10.4 ± 2.4 years; 28 boys). Odor pleasantness was assessed on a 5-point scale using the Sniffin’ Sticks test (Identification part of the test). Patients with ASD, compared to healthy controls, perceived the smell of cinnamon and pineapple as significantly less pleasant (p p

Research paper thumbnail of Structural MRI findings in child autism

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European child & adolescent psychiatry, 2005

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Assertive toddler, self-efficacious adult: Child temperament predicts personality over forty years

Personality and Individual Differences, 2007

The study deals with the prediction of adult personality from behaviors observed in the nursling ... more The study deals with the prediction of adult personality from behaviors observed in the nursling and toddler stages. The sample consisted of 83 participants (35 men and 48 women aged from 38 to 44 years) who had taken part in the longitudinal research of children and agreed to participate in the follow-up study of adults. For description of child behavior

Research paper thumbnail of Not EEG abnormalities but epilepsy is associated with autistic regression and mental functioning in childhood autism

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2004

■ Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association of epilepsy and EEG ... more ■ Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the potential association of epilepsy and EEG abnormalities with autistic regression and mental retardation. We examined a group of 77 autistic children (61 boys, 16 girls) with an average age of 9.1 ± 5.3 years. Clinical interview, neurological examination focused on the evaluation of epilepsy, IQ testing, and 21-channel EEG (including night sleep EEG recording) were performed. Normal EEGs were observed in 44.4 % of the patients, non-epileptiform abnormal EEGs in 17.5 %, and abnormal EEGs with epileptiform discharges in 38.1 % of the patients. Epilepsy was found in 22.1 % of the subjects. A history of regression was reported in 25.8 % of the patients, 54.8 % of the sample had abnormal development during the first year of life, and 79.7 % of the patients were mentally retarded. Autistic regression was significantly more frequent in patients with epilepsy than in non-epileptic patients (p = 0.003). Abnormal development during the first year of life was significantly associated with epilepti-

Research paper thumbnail of Subtypes of autism by cluster analysis based on structural MRI data

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2005

■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a mu... more ■ Abstract The aim of our study was to subcategorize Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) using a multidisciplinary approach. Sixty four autistic patients (mean age 9.4 ± 5.6 years) were entered into a cluster analysis. The clustering analysis was based on MRI data. The clusters obtained did not differ significantly in the overall severity of autistic symptomatology as measured by the total score on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The clusters could be characterized as showing significant differences: Cluster 1: showed the largest sizes of the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), the lowest pregnancy order and the lowest frequency of facial dysmorphic features. Cluster 2: showed the largest sizes of the amygdala and hippocampus (HPC), the least abnormal visual response on the CARS, the lowest frequency of epilepsy and the least frequent abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life. Cluster 3: showed the largest sizes of the caput of the nucleus caudatus (NC), the smallest sizes of the HPC and facial dysmorphic features were always present. Cluster 4: showed the smallest sizes of the genu and splenium of the CC, as well as the amygdala, and caput of the NC, the most abnormal visual response on the CARS, the highest frequency of epilepsy, the highest pregnancy order, abnormal psychomotor development during the first year of life was always present and facial dysmorphic features were always present. This multidisciplinary approach seems to be a promising method for subtyping autism.