| 1. |
- Ahsgren, Ingegerd, et al.
(författare)
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Ataxia, autism, and the cerebellum: a clinical study of 32 individuals with congenital ataxia.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. - : Wiley. - 0012-1622 .- 1469-8749. ; 47:3, s. 193-198
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The suggested link between autism and cerebellar dysfunction formed the background for a Swedish clinical study in 2001. Thirty-two children (17 females, 15 males; mean age 12y, SD 3y 10mo; range 6 to 21y) with a clinical suspicion of non-progressive congenital ataxia were examined, and parents were interviewed about the presence of neuropsychiatric problems in the child. Twelve children had simple ataxia, eight had ataxic diplegia, and 12 had 'borderline' ataxia. All but one of the 32 children had a mild to moderate gross motor disability according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (15 were categorized as level I, 16 as level II, and one child as level IV). Neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing were achieved in most cases. There was a strong association between learning disability* and autism spectrum disorder (often combined with hyperactivity disorder) on the one hand, and both simple and borderline 'ataxia' on the other, but a weaker link between ataxic diplegia and neuropsychiatric disorders. A correlation between cerebellar macropathology on neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric disorders was not supported. Congenital ataxia might not be a clear-cut syndrome of cerebellar disease, but one of many signs of prenatal events or syndromes, leading to a complex neurodevelopmental disorder including autism and learning disability.
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| 2. |
- Anckarsäter, Henrik, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Autism spectrum disorders in institutionalized subjects.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0803-9488 .- 1502-4725. ; 62:2, s. 160-167
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- What do we know about the prevalence and the specific features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among subjects in forensic psychiatry and special youth centres? A clinical case series consisting of 42 subjects with ASD, recruited from three well-characterized populations in forensic psychiatry and special youth care, was used to determine: 1) the prevalence of ASD in these institutions (at least 13%), 2) the distribution of diagnostic criteria in this special population (mostly social interaction and communication problems, few or atypical flexibility problems), 3) the degree of comorbidity (the rule rather than the exception), 4) neuropsychological test profiles (lowered IQ with uneven profiles), 5) types of crimes and offences (very heterogeneous, often stress-related with dissociated features), 6) mental health care needs (high), and 7) special clinical features (especially expressions of flexibility deficits in non-classical areas and proneness to dissociation). This descriptive study indicates that ASD is a clinically relevant problem among forensic populations that has to be considered in diagnostics, assessments of needs and treatment planning.
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| 3. |
- Anckarsäter, Henrik, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Child neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems are intercorrelated and dimensionally distributed in the general population
- 2008
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Ingår i: The Open Psychiatry Journal. - : Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.. - 1874-3544. ; 2, s. 5-11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Autism – Tics, AD/HD, and other Comorbidities inventory (A-TAC) is a comprehensive interview for evaluating problems related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), tic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), and common comorbid conditions in children and adolescents. A-TAC telephone interviews were administered to parents of 2,957 children aged nine- or twelve-years, representing one in each twin pair included in the population- based Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS). A total of 16.4% were screen-positive for one or several of the targeted disorder, 1.3% for ASD and 5.6% for AD/HD. All types of problems were more common among boys, with the exception of those related to “eating habits”. They were all dimensionally/continuously distributed, highly inter-correlated, and overlapped across types. They aggregated in three ba- sic factors corresponding to externalizing/disruptiveness, socio-communicative problems, and compulsiveness. Population-based data on problems in children thus challenge current categorical diagnostic definitions, calling for dimen- sional and complementary models of problem descriptions.
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| 4. |
- Anckarsäter, Henrik, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalences and configurations of mental disorders among institutionalized adolescents.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Developmental Neurorehabilitation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1751-8423 .- 1751-8431. ; 10:1, s. 57-65
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence figures for psychiatric disorders among institutionalized adolescents due to behavioural problems and/or delinquency. METHOD: Participants were recruited from consecutive referrals to/or treated at two Swedish adolescent units, SIS1 (n = 60) and SIS2 (n = 70) with ranging age of 12-20.3 years (mean age = 16.2; SD = 1.8) during 1 year. Clinical and diagnostic information was used to generate DSM-IV diagnoses. RESULTS: One or several neuropsychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 53% of all subjects: 39% met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), 15% for a pervasive developmental disorder (referred to as autism spectrum disorders, ASDs) and 8% had a mental retardation (referred to as a learning disability, LD). The collapsed prevalence for psychiatric disorders requiring specialist attention was 66%, counting severe depression and psychotic disorders but not substance use. About one in three of all adolescents in the study were given psychopharmacological treatment. CONCLUSION: Published studies and this clinical survey clearly indicate that systematic studies of mental health needs among institutionalized adolescents are warranted to form the basis of adequate treatment and support measures.
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| 5. |
- Anckarsäter, Henrik, 1966, et al.
(författare)
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The impact of ADHD and autism spectrum disorders on temperament, character, and personality development.
- 2006
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Ingår i: The American Journal of Psychiatry. - 0002-953X .- 1535-7228. ; 163:7, s. 1239-1244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The authors describe personality development and disorders in relation to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders. METHOD: Consecutive adults referred for neuropsychiatric investigation (N=240) were assessed for current and lifetime ADHD and autism spectrum disorders and completed the Temperament and Character Inventory. In a subgroup of subjects (N=174), presence of axis II personality disorders was also assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders (SCID-II). RESULTS: Patients with ADHD reported high novelty seeking and high harm avoidance. Patients with autism spectrum disorders reported low novelty seeking, low reward dependence, and high harm avoidance. Character scores (self-directedness and cooperativeness) were extremely low among subjects with neuropsychiatric disorders, indicating a high overall prevalence of personality disorders, which was confirmed with the SCID-II. Cluster B personality disorders were more common in subjects with ADHD, while cluster A and C disorders were more common in those with autism spectrum disorders. The overlap between DSM-IV personality disorder categories was high, and they seem less clinically useful in this context. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are associated with specific temperament configurations and an increased risk of personality disorders and deficits in character maturation.
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| 6. |
- Barnevik Olsson, Martina, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence of autism in children born to Somali parents living in Sweden: a brief report.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology. - : Wiley. - 0012-1622 .- 1469-8749. ; 50:8, s. 598-601
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a geographical area of Stockholm, with a relatively large Somali immigrant population, parents as well as teachers in special schools and staff at habilitation centres have raised concerns over whether children with a Somali background are over-represented in the total group of children with autism. The aim of the study was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence of autism in children with parents from Somalia, living in Stockholm county, and to compare the prevalence in children of Somali background with that in the non-Somali group. We reviewed the records of 17 children (13 males, four females), born between 1988 and 1998 (age range 7-17y) and with a Somali background, who had a diagnosis of autistic disorder or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) and were registered at either of the two autism habilitation centres for school-aged children. The prevalence of autistic disorder or PDDNOS was found to be three to four times higher than in the non-Somali group (0.7% vs 0.19%). All children also had learning disability.* Our findings warrant further investigations of possible aetiological factors behind the increased prevalence of autistic disorders in children of Somali origin found in this area in Sweden.
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| 7. |
- Bilenberg, Niels, et al.
(författare)
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The prevalence of child-psychiatric disorders among 8-9-year-old children in Danish mainstream schools.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-690X .- 1600-0447. ; 111:1, s. 59-67
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Prevalence rates for child psychopathology in Denmark are unknown; and efficient screening and non-respondent analyses are essential for epidemiological purposes. METHOD: A multi-method strategy involving a two-step design: first screening of 621 children between the ages of 8-9 years attending mainstream education using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Second, screen-positive probands and a sample of screen-negative probands were given in-depth child-psychiatric assessment. In cases of non-respondents, children were assessed by teachers. RESULTS: CBCL screening results were compared with case status in clinical assessment. A positive predictive value of 0.25 and a correct classification rate (CCR) of 0.72 were obtained. The teacher interviews, used in cases of non-respondents, had a CCR of 0.87. According to DSM-IV criteria, the prevalence rate of psychiatric disorders was 10.l% [95% CI; 7.0-13.2]. CONCLUSIONS: The CBCL proved an effective screening tool. The brief interview with teachers is a valid assessment of psychiatric disorders among non-respondents.
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| 8. |
- Billstedt, Eva, 1961, et al.
(författare)
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Autism after adolescence: population-based 13- to 22-year follow-up study of 120 individuals with autism diagnosed in childhood.
- 2005
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Ingår i: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0162-3257 .- 1573-3432. ; 35:3, s. 351-360
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Prospective population-based follow-up study of 120 individuals with autism followed from childhood to adulthood. METHODS: Individuals with autism, diagnosed in childhood, were followed prospectively for a period of 13-22 years and re-evaluated at ages 17-40 years. The instruments used at follow-up were the DISCO, WAIS-R, WISC-III, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, psychiatric-medical examination and GAF-scale. A set of criteria was used for the classification of outcomes, taking into consideration employment, higher education/vocational training, independent living and peer relations. RESULTS: Six of the 120 (5%) had died at the time of follow-up, and six declined participation. Overall outcome was poor in 78% of cases. Only four individuals were independent albeit leading fairly isolated lives. Childhood IQ-level was positively correlated with better adult outcome, as was the existence of some communicative phrase speech at age six years. CONCLUSIONS: Children with autism as diagnosed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s may have an even worse psychosocial outcome than previously believed.
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| 9. |
- Billstedt, Eva, 1961, et al.
(författare)
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Autism in adults: symptom patterns and early childhood predictors. Use of the DISCO in a community sample followed from childhood.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines. - : Wiley. - 0021-9630 .- 1469-7610. ; 48:11, s. 1102-1110
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Few studies have looked at the very long-term outcome of individuals with autism who were diagnosed in childhood. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, community-based follow-up study of adults who had received the diagnosis of autism (classic and atypical) in childhood (n = 105) was conducted. A structured interview (the Diagnostic Interview for Social and COmmunication disorders--the DISCO) was used in order to evaluate symptoms and symptom patterns 13-22 years after original diagnosis. Childhood measures, including IQ-level at time of childhood diagnosis and communicative speech registered before age 5 years, were studied in relation to the presence of autism symptoms at follow-up. RESULTS: The classical and atypical autism groups were fairly homogeneously impaired in terms of symptoms in the social interaction category whereas other common childhood autism symptoms, including maladaptive and stereotyped behaviours, were more variable in the study group at follow-up. Odd responses to sensory stimuli were still extremely common. Speech before 5 years of age, IQ, gender, diagnosed medical disorder and onset of epilepsy before 5 years were variables that correlated to outcome on the DISCO algorithm for autistic spectrum disorders (Wing & Gould, 1979) concerning style and quality of social interaction, communication style and pattern of self-chosen activities. CONCLUSIONS: Social interaction problems were still present in the vast majority of adults with autism/atypical autism, but behavioural impairments were much more variable in adulthood. Almost all cases were reported to show persistent perceptual problems. Certain childhood measures were found to prospectively predict adult social interaction style, communication type, and pattern of self-chosen activities, which still met diagnostic criteria for autism/atypical autism in adulthood.
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| 10. |
- Buitelaar, Jan K, et al.
(författare)
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A comparison of North American versus non-North American ADHD study populations.
- 2006
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Ingår i: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1018-8827 .- 1435-165X. ; 15:3, s. 177-181
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Few large, prospective clinical studies in Europe have assessed the validity and applicability of research methods used to study ADHD in North America. To assess comparability of study populations, we examined baseline patient characteristics from a group of North American studies against those of a large European/African/Australian study. All studies used identical diagnostic assessments and inclusion criteria, with ADHD diagnosis and the presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions confirmed using the KSADS-PL. Raters were trained and assessed to ensure uniform diagnostic and symptom severity rating standards. Six hundred and four patients (mean age = 10.2 years) enrolled in the non-North American study, and 665 patients (mean age = 10.4 years) enrolled in the North American study. The proportion of girls was higher in the North American studies (29.2% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.001). In both groups, most patients had a positive family history of ADHD and previous stimulant treatment. Fewer had the inattentive subtype of ADHD, and mean severity was slightly higher in the non-North American study. Results demonstrate that, when a uniform set of rigorous, standardized diagnostic criteria are used by skilled clinicians, the patient populations identified are generally similar. This supports the practice of generalizing results from treatment studies across geographies.
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