Essay on Gastrin-Releasing Peptide in Improving the Symptoms of Autism Disorder

Introduction

Autism is a disorder that impairs communication, ability to socialize, and is often associated with strange repetitive behaviors such as bathing multiple times. The clinical control for autism involves a prescription for medicine with endocrine peptides such as Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (GRP). Unfortunately there is no direct cure for autism. As a result, doctors issue peptides which control brain activity such as reduced anxiety and improved emotional response. This study examines the safety and effectiveness of GRP in controlling the primary symptoms associated with autism disorder.

Summary

Autism is a progressive disorder that affects the mind-body coordination of victims, with symptoms that portray persistent and strange behaviors such as fear of household items. According to recent research, doctors have prescribed endocrine peptides to control the emotional and psychological responses of autism disorder. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of gastrin-releasing peptides (GRP) in minimizing the critical symptoms of autism disorder.

The methods used for this study involved a sample of three children aged below eighteen years and diagnosed with autism disorder. The participants received GRP doses of 160pmol/kg, and their reactions to the medication were periodically monitored and recorded. The patients received the subsequent dose after two weeks.

Results indicated that GRP significantly reduced extreme and adverse behaviors. At least two children showed improvement in their ability to interact with others and to coordinate body movement. Another two improved their speech and expressed reduced stereotypes. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) gave an average score of 2.8, and symptoms became significantly minimized among the children.

In conclusion, this study observed that GRP is a safe remedy with the potential to control the symptoms of autism disorder. Recommendations given were for further study on the subject for better analysis of the therapeutic effects of GRP.

Discussion

Becker et al.¹ argue that GRP significantly improves the symptoms associated with autism disorder and that there is no known treatment for the complete cure. Anagnostou et al.² make a similar observation in a study involving adults with the disorder. However, Wink et al.³ express differing views by suggesting that a better alternative to controlling the symptoms of autism disorder is the use of d-Cycloserine.

In a study to examine the therapeutic effects of intranasal oxytocin on the social interaction and repetitive behaviors of adults with autism, Anagnostou et al.² observed positive results. According to Anagnostou et al., autism has no treatment. However, intranasal oxytocin showed the potential to minimize symptoms of autism disorder with no adverse effects on the patients.²

Counterargument

On the other hand, Wink et al.³ suggest that d-Cycloserine (DCS), when used a therapeutic control for social skills training, proved to be an effective alternative to other forms of medication. According to Wink et al., DCS was effective in maintaining the social skills learned over a short period. However, an adverse effect associated with DSC was the development of irritability among the patients.³ In contrast, Wink et al. could argue that d-Cycloserine was a better alternative to gastrin-releasing peptides by Becker et al., especially in controlling social behaviors.^1,3

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study indicates that GRP may be a safe and effective treatment for the control of compulsions and stereotypes associated with autism. However, due to the limited sample size for this study, caution is advised in interpreting the results of GRP in controlling symptoms of autism disorder.

References

1. Becker MM, Bosa C, Oliveira-Freitas VL, Goldim JR, Ohlweller L, Roesier R, et al. Improvement of autism spectrum disorder symptoms in three children by using gastrin-releasing peptide. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2016;92:302-6.
2. Anagnostou E, Soorya L, Chaplin W, Bartz J, Halpern D, Wasserman S, Wang AT, Pepa L, Tanel N, Kushki A, Hollander E. Intranasal oxytocin versus placebo in the treatment of adults with autism spectrum disorders: a randomized controlled trial. Molecular autism. 2012 Dec;3(1):16.
3. Wink LK, Minshawi NF, Shaffer RC, Plawecki MH, Posey DJ, Horn PS, Adams R, Pedapati EV, Schaefer TL, McDougle CJ, Swiezy NB. d-Cycloserine enhances the durability of social skills training in autism spectrum disorder. Molecular autism. 2017 Dec;8(1):2.