Schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities: Symptom manifestations and identification |
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| Authors: | Trine Lise Bakken Arvid Nikolai Kildahl Linn Beate Ludvigsen Tale Gjertine Bjørgen Caroline Dalhaug Jane Margrete Askeland Hellerud Oddbjørn Hove Ann Magritt Solheim-Inderberg Kjersti Karlsen Sissel Berge Helverschou |
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| Institution: | 1. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway;2. Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;3. Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Gjettum, Norway;4. St. Olavs University Hospital, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway;5. Helse Fonna Hospital Trust, Haugesund, Norway |
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| Abstract: | Background The assessment of schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities is challenging. This study aimed to explore the identification of schizophrenia in this population. Methods Using data from a clinical multi-centre study, reported symptoms in 26 autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities diagnosed with co-occurring schizophrenia were explored. Scores on two checklists (Psychopathology in Autism Checklist PAC], Aberrant Behaviour Checklist ABC]) were compared with two comparison groups: autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental disorders (94), or no mental disorder (63). Results Reported symptoms of schizophrenia in this population met the formal diagnostic criteria. For PAC/ABC scales, only PAC psychosis differed for the schizophrenia group. Among participants with schizophrenia, two were diagnosed with additional mental disorders. Elevated scores for anxiety and depression were common. Conclusions Emphasising core symptoms seems necessary when assessing co-occurring schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities. The PAC may serve as a helpful screening tool. |
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| Keywords: | autism spectrum disorder diagnostic assessment intellectual disabilities schizophrenia |
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