“Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in Autism”, 2021-03 ():
Bipolar disorder and psychosis are severe comorbid psychiatric disorders that can occur in persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Although classified as distinct conditions, they can occur together or at different times across the life span of a person with autism.
Persons with ASD are probably at an increased risk of developing these conditions compared with the general population.
Their diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes are complicated by the heterogeneity of ASD and by the co-occurrence of other medical and psychiatric disorders.
Autism seldom occurs in its pure form. Often labeled as behavioral disorders or psychological reactions, comorbid psychiatric disorders are common. Bipolar disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that occur in persons with autism across their life spans. It can be comorbid with and mistaken for several other conditions. Similarly, psychosis occurs in several psychiatric disorders. Schizophrenia is the prototype psychotic disorder that has a close but controversial relationship with autism. Assessment and treatment of bipolar disorder and psychosis should be based on their individual characteristics, family dynamics, and community resources.
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