Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders Associated with Asperger Syndrome/High-functioning Autism: A Community- and Clinic-based Study

Abstract

The present study identifies the prevalence and types of comorbid psychiatric disorders associated with Asperger syndrome (AS)/high-functioning autism (HFA) in a combined community- and clinic-based sample of fifty 9- to 16-year-old subjects using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Present and Lifetime Version. The level of functioning was estimated using the Children's Global Assessment Scale. The results support common (prevalence 74%) and often multiple comorbid psychiatric disorders in AS/HFA; behavioral disorders were shown in 44%, anxiety disorders in 42% and tic disorders in 26%. Oppositional defiant disorder, major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders as comorbid conditions indicated significantly lower levels of functioning. To target interventions, routine evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity in subjects with AS/HFA is emphasized.

Alexithymia in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Its Relationship to Internalising Difficulties, Sensory Modulation and Social Cognition

“…Furthermore, up to 24% of young people with ASD experience depressive symptoms (Leyfer et al 2006). While depression does not co-occur as frequently as anxiety in young people with ASD, its prevalence is higher than in the general population and can be highly functionally impairing (Kim et al 2000;Mattila et al 2010). Since alexithymia occurs more frequently in individuals with ASD, it may be related to the elevated emotional difficulties also observed in this group.…”

Comparison of self-and other-report of symptoms of autism and comorbid psychopathology in adults with autism spectrum disorder

“…In samples of children with ASD, studies have found that the children scored within the clinical range for least one other comorbid psychiatric disorder for up to 95% [27,28] in a sample that had been referred for treatment [29]. More specifically, many children with ASD meet the criteria for disruptive behavior disorders [e.g., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)], anxiety, or affective disorders [30,31]. Recent studies with adults with ASD suggest that many of these comorbidities continue or develop in adulthood as well [32][33][34] prompting more interest in how best to assess and treat potential comorbid pathologies, discriminant from ASD symptoms, in clinical practice [35].…”

Case Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of the Pediatrician

“…ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety are described in the population, and the overall rate of comorbid psychiatric conditions has been estimated to be as high as 74%. 11,12 The case by Jennifer F. Le, MD (see page 414) illustrates the decision process necessary when patients with ASD require pharmacologic management. The case illustrates guidelines for the clinician, as medication should not be the only modality of treatment involved and should be directed at targeted symptoms and not core symptoms of autism.…”