Exploring the labyrinth of the brain neurobiological parameters in Multiple Complex Developmental Disorder, a subtype of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not otherwise specified

Abstract

The research reported in this thesis provides some evidence for subjects with MCDD being a biologically different subtype compared to patients with an autistic disorder or an autistic spectrum disorder without MCDD characteristics. There is also evidence for MCDD patients being biological different from typical controls. The here presented studies supported from this neurobiological point of view the earlier studies on the validation of the concept MCDD, and thereby the differentiation within the autism spectrum group. Second, some of the neurobiological parameters are indeed similar to the known (abnormal) neurobiological parameters in schizophrenia (related) disorders. However, no conclusive remarks can be made on the biology of MCDD patients.