Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been studied for years for its possible connection to autism. GABA plays an extensive role in epilepsy (because of its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter), which has a high correlation with incidences of autism, causing many to believe that GABA may also play a role in the development of autism.
“evidence for lower levels of brain GABA in those diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) too (albeit those still presenting with symptoms).”
Remmelt Schur and his colleagues have done a study that shows that this connection may be more than a correlation. Brain GABA levels for those with an autism spectrum disorder were found to be significantly lower when compared to those without autism. Schur was also able to draw some connections with GABA levels with other illnesses, such as Major Depressive Disorder, but found no correlation with bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Key takeaways
- Those with autism were found to have lower levels of brain GABA.
- lower GABA levels can de found in other disorders such as major depressive disorder.
- Finding could lead to new parameters when diagnosing autism.
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