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Published on: January 11, 2020
Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Geriatric Psychiatry
S M J Heijnen-Kohl1, R M Kok2, R M H J Wilting3
1Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, Kloosterkensweg 10, Postbus 4436, 6401 CX, Heerlen-Maastricht, The Netherlands. s.heijnen@mondriaan.eu.
Abstract:
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are difficult to detect in old age. This study examined if ASD symptoms in older adults (age > 60) can be detected with the Dutch informant personality questionnaire, (Hetero-Anamnestische Persoonlijkheidsvragenlijst, HAP) in a mental health setting. Patients with ASD (N = 40) were compared to patients with a different psychiatric diagnosis (N = 43; personality disorders excluded). The ASD group had significant higher scores on the scales 'Socially avoidant behavior', 'Rigid behavior' and 'Unpredictable and impulsive behavior'. These scales were able to discriminate between individuals with or without ASD. The HAP can thus be used as a screening instrument for ASD symptoms in elderly patients. Further research is needed to clarify what items have the best predictive validity for ASD symptoms.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
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