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The relationship of the metachromatic leukodystrophies to neuropsychiatric disorders

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Molecular and Chemical Neuropathology

Abstract

The possible relationship between the metachromatic leukodystrophies and neuropsychiatric disorders is reviewed. Four kinds of evidence are considered: psychiatric symptoms as preemergent markers of the neurodegenerative process; increased behavioral problems in leukodystrophy familes; screening for low enzyme levels among psychiatric populations; and studies in model systems. Whereas the basic postulate of an increased risk for psychiatric problems among individuals with lower levels of the enzymes deficient in the leukodystrophies remains attractive, there is no strong evidence in its support. Low enzyme levels can be found in psychiatric populations, but they may not be any more frequent than in the general population.

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  1. Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Mental Retardation Research Center, Lanterman Developmental Center Research Group, University of California, PO Box 100-R, 91769, Pomona, CA

    Arvan L. Fluharty

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  1. Arvan L. Fluharty
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Fluharty, A.L. The relationship of the metachromatic leukodystrophies to neuropsychiatric disorders. Molecular and Chemical Neuropathology 13, 81–94 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03159910

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03159910

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