Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 62 No. 2, 2026.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_346492
Clinical Aspects of the Complex Neurobiological Basis of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Iris Žunić Išasegi
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Ivana Stefanović
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Petra Visković
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dinko Horvat
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Mara Tripković
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Gordan Majić
; Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb; Klinika za dječju i adolescentnu psihijatriju, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
The aim of this paper is to present the current knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a topic that continues to hold an important place in scientific research and clinical practice, with implications for future therapeutic guidelines. According to the DSM-5 nomenclature, ASD encompasses a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders manifested by early symptoms in childhood, including difficulties in social functioning, atypical communication, (cluster A) restricted interests and repetitive behaviours (cluster B), as well as associated conditions such as anxiety, irritability, aggression, and eating and sleeping disorders. The etiopathogenesis of ASD is not fully clarified but is considered multifactorial, with neurobiological factors playing a significant role. It is assumed that the pathological process begins prenatally with abnormal synaptogenesis, leading to altered neural networks and a consequent inability to properly reorganize cortical connections postnatally. Given the complexity of neuroanatomical structures and their functional connectivity, it is not possible to isolate a single brain deficit responsible for the clinical picture of ASD. Certain neurobiological theories highlight neurotransmitter imbalances, including dopaminergic dysfunction and serotonergic dysregulation, as factors in impaired social skills development (cluster A) and the emergence of stereotyped behaviours (cluster B). Nevertheless, in the clinical practice, the most important approach remains individualized patient care, which includes careful recognition and treatment of symptoms from clusters A and B through psychosocial interventions, treatment of comorbidities, and the use of psychopharmacology when indicated.
Ključne riječi
adolescence; autism spectrum disorder; child; psychiatry; neurobiology; neurodevelopmental disorders
Hrčak ID:
346492
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.6.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *