Psychosis, Affective Disorders and Anxiety in Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence and Nosological Considerations

Abstract

This review aimed to find relevant published studies on the co-morbidity of autism and Asperger's syndrome with psychotic, anxiety and/or mood disorders, assess them, synthesize the findings, present an overview and make recommendations for future research. Systematic literature searches were performed using several databases. Selected articles had to describe an original study that provided prevalence and/or incidence estimates on autism and/or Asperger's syndrome co-morbidity with psychotic, anxiety and/or mood disorders. There is conflicting evidence regarding the frequency of schizophrenia in this population. Depression appears to be common, although most individuals with autism do not have sufficient language skills to verbalize changes in mood. Anxiety disorders represent the most common psychiatric co-morbidity in this population.