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. 2016 Jun;46(6):1916-1930.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2722-8.

Psychiatric Co-occurring Symptoms and Disorders in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anne G Lever  1 , Hilde M Geurts  2   3
Affiliations

Psychiatric Co-occurring Symptoms and Disorders in Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anne G Lever et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Although psychiatric problems are less prevalent in old age within the general population, it is largely unknown whether this extends to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We examined psychiatric symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with and without ASD (Nmax = 344, age 19-79 years, IQ > 80). Albeit comparable to other psychiatric patients, levels of symptoms and psychological distress were high over the adult lifespan; 79 % met criteria for a psychiatric disorder at least once in their lives. Depression and anxiety were most common. However, older adults less often met criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis and, specifically, social phobia than younger adults. Hence, despite marked psychological distress, psychiatric problems are also less prevalent in older aged individuals with ASD.

Keywords: Adults; Aging; Anxiety; Autism spectrum disorder; Depression; Psychiatric comorbidity.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Number of ASD participants showing overlap between mood and anxiety disorders
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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