GABA Alterations Associated with Social Cognition Deficits in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Early-Onset Psychosis

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can provide valuable information about cortical activity and metabolite concentrations. Previous research using MRS has found alterations in the concentrations of neurotransmitters in neuropsychiatric disorders, notably in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and early-onset psychosis (EOP). We used 1H-MRS to quantify signals associated with neurotransmitters in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a brain region underlying social cognition, by measuring metabolite concentrations and its relationship to social impairments, in youth with ASD or EOP, and typically developing (TD) youth.