AFFECTIVE-DISORDERS IN PEOPLE WITH AUTISM - A REVIEW OF PUBLISHED CASES

The presentation of affective disorders in people with autism and auti stic-like disorders is discussed based upon a review of 17 published c ases. Half of the patients were female and almost all of the patients had IQs in the mentally retarded range. 35% of the patients had the on set of affective disorder in childhood. Of the cases mentioning family history, 50% had a family history of affective disorder or suicide. C hanges in mood, self-attitude, and vital sense were rarely reported by the patients. A change in mood, attitude toward self and others, and vegetative changes were inferred based on the observations of others. Difficulties in diagnosing affective disorders in autistic people are presented and suggestions are made for diagnosis, treatment, and resea rch.