Psychiatric Comorbidity in Individuals with Autism

Abstract

Psychiatric comorbidity is common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comorbid psychiatric disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated in this population. This chapter provides an overview of the presenting features, impact on quality of life, and treatment of common comorbid psychiatric disorders in ASD including intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, catatonia, bipolar and related disorders, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, sleep-wake disorders, gender dysphoria, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and dementia. Nonspecific abnormal behaviors associated with ASD including self-injurious behaviors and aggression are then discussed. The chapter concludes by providing an overview of general treatment considerations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)