Multi-informant reports of psychiatric symptoms among high-functioning adolescents with Asperger syndrome or autism.
The aim of the study was to examine psychiatric symptoms in high-functioning adolescents with autism spectrum disorders reported by multiple informants. Forty-three 11- to 17-year-old adolescents with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) and 217 typically developed adolescents completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR), while their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Teachers of adolescents with AS/HFA completed the Teacher Report Form (TRF). The informants reported significantly more psychiatric symptoms, especially withdrawn, anxious/depressed, social and attention problems, in adolescents with AS/HFA than in controls. In contrast to findings in the general population, the psychiatric problems of adolescents with AS/HFA are well acknowledged by multiple informants, including self-reports. However, anxiety and depressive symptoms were more commonly reported by adolescents with AS/HFA and their teachers than their parents, indicating that some emotional distress may be hidden from their parents.
Hurtig
Tuula
T
Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, OYS, Finland. tuula.hurtig@oulu.fi
Kuusikko
Sanna
S
Mattila
Marja-Leena
ML
Haapsamo
Helena
H
Ebeling
Hanna
H
Jussila
Katja
K
Joskitt
Leena
L
Pauls
David
D
Moilanen
Irma
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology