[Asperger syndrome; the issue and the truth].
In recent years, Asperger disorder became a key issue in Japan. Serious crimes which have been caused by high-functioning PDD adolescents have become a social problem. Total population study of PDD showed the increase of these children, and the most recent study reported the prevalence to be 2%, in Nagoya City. Now, we have at least one PDD in every school class. It poses a serious problem for Japanese school education. On the other hand, it had gradually become apparent that there are many PDD adult who had been misdiagnosed with other psychiatric disorders; schizophrenia, BPD and so on. The author discusses the relevant issue of Asperger disorder and high-functioning PDD from a clinical perspective.
Sugiyama
Toshiro
T
Aichi Children's Health and Medical Center.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012574:Schools / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012940:Social Problems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D012946:Social Welfare