Prevalence and outcomes of young people with concurrent autism spectrum disorder and first episode of psychosis (FEP): a cohort study
Poster A14, Monday, October 8, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Essex Ballroom
Monica Sunwoo1, Jessica O'Connell1, Stephen Wood2,3, Patrick McGorry2,3, Brian O'Donoghue1,2,3; 1Orygen Youth Health, 35 Poplar rd, Parkville, VIC 3025, 2Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia, 3Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Schizophrenia spectrum disorders overlap in a number of domains, including genetic and environmental risk factors and also how the two disorders can present clinically. However, there is limited information on the characteristics and outcomes of those with both ASD and psychotic disorders. This study aimed to: (i) examine the prevalence rates of ASD in a cohort of young people presenting with a FEP and (ii) to compare demographic and clinical characteristics between individuals with concurrent FEP and ASD, and individuals with FEP only. Methods: This study included all young people aged 15 to 24 who presented with a FEP to the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) between 01.01.11 and 31.12.13. Results: 544 young people presented with a FEP and 3.7% (n=20) had a diagnosis of ASD. Individuals with a concurrent diagnosis of ASD and a FEP were more likely to be male (90% vs 59%) and less likely to have comorbid substance use issues (26% vs 60%). There was no difference in the type of psychotic symptoms that each group presented with or the severity of symptom, or rates of remission or relapse. Young people with ASD were more likely to have returned to education or employment by the time of discharge (75% vs 51%). Conclusions: The current findings highlight some of the distinct characteristics of individuals with concurrent ASD and FEP. Further large-scale studies with control groups are required to better understand the aetiopathological and phenomenological specificity of this subgroup.
Topic Area: Diagnosis and Phenomenology