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Preliminary Findings from a Clinical Multi-Center Study on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Disorders
Despite the assumed higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) compared to the general population, specialized mental health services for this population remain scarce and professional competence is limited. The development of psychiatric interventions adapted to the needs of individuals with ASD and ID is also a neglected area of research.
In Norway, a national network for professionals in charge of providing specialized and supplementary mental health services to individuals with ASD and ID was established in 2007. Eight centers which are spread around the whole country participate. A clinical treatment study was started in 2010 and recruitment is still in progress.
Objectives:
The study was established to contribute to valid psychiatric diagnoses and individually tailored services for individuals with ASD and ID in need of specialized mental health services. Specific aims were to report on and evaluate the characteristics by the participants and their environment, proportion of co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses, the delivery and adaptations of psychiatric interventions for these individuals, and differences in services between the centers.
Methods:
Patients with ASD and ID who are referred to one of the participating centers with behavior problems or suspicion of psychiatric disorders are recruited to the study. The patients are assessed three times, at referral, after one year and after two years.
Assessments include background and characteristics, behavior problems, psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses, environmental factors, interventions provided, and evaluation by care staff and family members.
Results:
More than 120 participants have been recruited, and some preliminary findings from the assessment at referral (T1) will be presented; background and characteristics including level of ID and ASD symptoms; distribution of psychiatric disorders, associations between behavior problems and mental disorders. Preliminary analysis indicate that about one third of the patients are female, the patients’ age vary from 13 – 57 years (M=30.1, SD=10.1), about one third have severe / profound ID and two thirds have moderate / mild ID, and almost one third of the patients were not diagnosed with a co-occurring psychiatric disorder.
Conclusions:
The participants recruited to the study are a heterogeneous group. Mental disorders seem to be especially associated with behavior problems. The study design provide data that gives the possibility of addressing different research questions and may contribute to the understanding of psychiatric disorders in ASD and ID and potentially effective, and individualized interventions.