Comorbid psychiatric disorders associated with Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism: a community- and clinic-based study.
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.
Mattila
Marja-Leena
ML
Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. marja-leena.mattila@fimnet.fi
Hurtig
Tuula
T
Haapsamo
Helena
H
Jussila
Katja
K
Kuusikko-Gauffin
Sanna
S
Kielinen
Marko
M
Linna
Sirkka-Liisa
SL
Ebeling
Hanna
H
Bloigu
Risto
R
Joskitt
Leena
L
Pauls
David L
DL
Moilanen
Irma
I
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors; D013981:Tic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology