Initially conceptualized as a subtype of schizophrenia, catatonia has progressively been recognized to occur in a broad variety of conditions, as a kind of final common pathway for many severe men-tal disorders. There is a significant overlap between the fundamental symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and catatonia, and ASD can frequently complicate with catatonic states. While provocative, the hypothesis that neuroatypicality may represent the submerged structural piece un-derlying catatonic states is intriguing. Yet, the multifaced relationship between catatonia and ASD may provide new insights in the etiology and treatment of both disorders.
The rubidium and lithium ions are known to have opposite effects on a wide range of biochemical and behavioral parameters in experimental animals. Based on the proven effectiveness of lithium as an antimanic agent, several trials have been conducted with rubidium in the acute treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar illness. The results to date are promising. However, the 30- to 60-day biologic half-life of rubidium has mandated careful studies of potential toxicity before engaging in long-term administration of this ion to depressive subjects. One area of potential concern is the possibility of renal toxicity, which could be expressed as unexpectedly increased retention of rubidium. The data in this paper show that after 15 days of rubidium administration, there are no changes beyond the normal range in a variety of kidney function tests, including in four enzymes which are specific markers of tubule cell function.
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