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- Title
Psychiatric comorbidity and use of psychopharmacology treatments in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Authors
Álvarez Pedrero, A.; Palacin, A.; Parra, I.; Muñoz, R.; Membrives, S.; Llorens, M.; Santos, L.; Monreal, J. A.; Palao Vidal, D.
- Abstract
Introduction: Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased in recent years. The literature shows a high psychiatric comorbidity and use of psychopharmaceuticals although they tend to tolerate them worse than the rest of the population. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to investigate comorbidity and prescription of psychoactive drugs in outpatient adults with ASD. Methods: Observational-retrospective study based on the review of outpatients clinical history of adults with ASD attended from September 2017 to September 2018, at Parc Tauli University Hospital in Sabadell (Barcelona). Results: In our sample we find 77 patients (72.7% men). Average age is 27.40 years. We found comorbidity anxiety-depressive disorder (36.3%), and ADHD (31.2%). 85.71% (66) receive pharmacological treatment (60 receive 2 or more medicaments). Most common treatments are: antidepressants (51), antipsychotics (39), antiepileptic / mood stabilized (11), benzodiazepines (21), stimulants (7) and others (4). Half of the sample have II-III severity according to the DSM-5 criteria and 23.4% have recognized intellectual disability. Finally, up to 85% of the patients live with their families, and only 25% carry out paid work activities. Conclusions: Adults with ASD are more likely to have a psychiatric disorder than general population. The most prevalent being ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders Most adults with ASD receive antidepressant treatment, followed by antipsychotic therapy. Fluoxetine and risperidone have the highest evidence of the limited literature available. Despite the low prevalence of intellectual disability, it is clear that this population has high social dependence, low functionality and low autonomy.
- Subjects
AUTISM spectrum disorders; ANXIETY disorders; PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY; DRUGS; PSYCHIATRIC drugs; COMORBIDITY
- Publication
European Psychiatry, 2020, Vol 63, pS343
- ISSN
0924-9338
- Publication type
Article