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Problem: There is a need to collect the many and varied data on AD/HD (Attention deficit hyper-activity disorder) into a meaningful overview. Method: Based on peer reviewed and published data as well as own research we try to make sense of the physiological mechanisms resulting in the relevant symptoms. Conclusion: AD/HD clearly has a genetic disposition, but as with many other genetic syndromes, the resulting proteomics must be stressed to become manifest as disease/ disorder. A common trait in the different etiologies is lower arousal.

Problem: Some researchers have not found the opioids in urine of autistic children. We have therefore looked at this problem again. Method: Mass spectrometry and fragmentation mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have been carried out on peaks from the HPLC that show co-chromatography with synthetic standards and peaks that are shared by different autistic children. Results: In quickly frozen urine we find the presence of exorphins, and can also demonstrate a rather fast break down at room temperature of these peptides in urine. Conclusion: Exorphins are present in urine in autistic children, but must be protected against break down and aggregation by fast freezing or acetic acid and adjusting declustering potential and collision potential during mass-spectroscopy. Specific antibody increases and the effect of removing precursor proteins from the diet reinforce this view.

Exorphins from casein and gluten have been found by HPLC and mass spectroscopy with fragmentation pattern in quickly frozen urine. Removing the proteins that contain these peptides, by dietary intervention has been tried with behavioral effects. We wanted to know how fast such changes take place. Method: Parents and caregivers filled out ATEC scores (Autism treatment evaluation checklist) over time so that changes in scores could be registered. Results: In this group of children who all responded to diet the time required for a positive effect was months rather than weeks. Conclusion: Short term interventions are probably a waste of time and money, and at least 3 - 6 months trials seem to be necessary.

Hyperpeptiduria and opioid excess have been reported in schizophrenia. According to Prof. Dr. L. Lindstrom, Sweden opioids may explain the patho-physiology of this syndrome. Therefore it is critical to elucidate the presence and nature of opioids in schizophrenia and diagnostic sub groups. First morning urine from untreated schizoaffective patients (ICD-10: F 25.1) was separated on HPLC and peaks that elute where different opioid standards appear, freeze dried, re-dissolved in methanol/water (50/50) and 10mM formic acid. Mass spectrometry and MS/MS or fragmentation mass spectrometry was performed. We found fragmentation pattern of beta-casomorphin 1-3 and 1-4 (bovine) identical to synthetic standards from Bachem. The aggregation tendency of peptides was much in evidence. The reported exorphins were found in the urine from 8 of 12 untreated schizoaffective patients.

Biochemical, immunological and epidemiological evidence increasingly support the suggestion that there is a causal relationship between gluten/gliadin and schizophrenia as originally proposed by F. C. Dohan. Furthermore the necessary physiological mechanisms exist to explain a mechanism involving bioactive peptides from these proteins, and these show that this mechanism is possible and probable in at least in a substantial subgroup of schizophrenic patients. Evidence shows a fairly strong genetic disposition, and it must be recognised that any genetic mechanism must implicate altered chemistry and function of proteins. Evidence supports the likelihood that dietary intervention is beneficial for some, and this demands further investigation. A similar conclusion may apply to autism spectrum conditions.