Comorbidity of autism with hyperkinetic disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders encompass a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism may be accompanied by other mental and neurological disorders. Comorbidity in autism is the rule rather than the exception (as reflected in DSM-5).

Objectives

To study comorbidity in patients with childhood autism and hyperkinetic disorder.

Methods

Surveyed 102 patients aged 6–7 years who had infantile psychosis before the age of 3 years (F84.02), comorbid with hyperkinetic disorder (F90.0). Methods: clinical, psychological and psychometric (CARS, PEP, bfcrs, CGI, CPRS-R:S (parents’ form)).

Results

In the surveyed patients, the autism level was 46 points according to CARS. Manifestations of hyperkinetic disorder in patients with F84.02 are found in 72%, which is associated with the severity of catatonic arousal (BFCRS 36 points). The cognitive development of the examined children is characterized by a combination of advancing, normative and delayed levels of development, depending on the type of cognitive dysontogenesis. Low indicators are revealed in involuntary attention, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. In patients with F84.02, a secondary hyperkinetic disorder forms upon exit from severe catatonia.

Conclusions

Excessive motor activity is combined with impulsiveness and impaired attention in the period of remission. The use of a complex of clinical and psychodiagnostic techniques aimed at assessing voluntary and involuntary attention provides additional data for the diagnosis of ASD and hyperkinetic disorders.