Older Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sweden: A Register Study of Diagnoses, Psychiatric Care Utilization and Psychotropic Medication of 601 Individuals

Lena Nylander, Anna Axmon, Petra Zücker Björne, Gerd Ahlström, Christopher Gillberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In a Swedish sample of persons eligible for disability services and aged 55 years or older in 2012, persons (n = 601) with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses registered in specialist care were identified. Register data concerning diagnoses of other psychiatric disorders, psychiatric care, and psychiatric medication were reviewed. More than 60% had been in contact with psychiatric care. The majority had no intellectual disability (ID) diagnosis recorded during the study period. Apart from ID, affective disorders, anxiety and psychotic disorders were most commonly registered; alcohol/substance abuse disorders were uncommon. Psychotropic drug prescriptions were very common, especially in the ID group. Professionals need awareness of this vulnerable group; studies concerning their life circumstances and service requirements should be conducted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3076-3085
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume48
Issue number9
Early online date2018 Apr 16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Sep

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Psychiatry
  • Other Health Sciences
  • Nursing

Keywords

  • Older adults
  • Psychiatry
  • Autism spectrum disorders

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