Autism Spectrum Disorders: Comorbid Psychopathology and Treatment

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), labeled as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) in the DSM-IV-TR, are characterized by a distinct pattern of social and communication deficits with rigid ritualistic interests. While autism is the main category, other conditions include Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Rett disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder, although classified in the same category, are often not referred to as ASDs. As discussed elsewhere, the DSM-V is likely to collapse autism, Asperger syndrome, and PDD-NOS into a single category called ASD. Although autism is almost always a lifelong disorder, its core symptoms change in severity over time. Thus, a child's language may continue to evolve as he grows older and his idiosyncratic interests may change their focus. Simultaneously, additional medical and psychiatric disorders may emerge. For example, about 30% of individuals with autism suffer from seizures, which usually emerge during the pre-school years or at the time of puberty. Although several studies have explored its medical comorbidity, relatively little has been published on its mental health aspects. This topic is important because symptoms such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression not only affect its presentation but also modify its treatment and its long-term outcome. In this chapter, we provide a selective review of the presentation and treatment of common psychiatric disorders that occur in persons with ASD across their life span. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)