R I Friedlander1, T Donnelly. 1. University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada. rfriedlander@cw.bc.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of psychotic disorders may be very difficult in youth with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: The authors reviewed the assessment, treatment and follow-up of 21 youths with ID referred because of early onset of psychotic symptoms. RESULTS: Just over one half of the patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. One third of the sample carried the diagnosis of psychosis NOS (not otherwise specified). After careful review, five out of seven of these psychotic-like cases were assessed as non-psychotic. Patients with Psychosis NOS associated with moderate or severe ID had the worst outcome. CONCLUSION: This clinical review provides important information about the identification, diagnosis and outcome of psychotic symptoms in youth with low verbal abilities.
BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnosis of psychotic disorders may be very difficult in youth with intellectual disabilities. METHOD: The authors reviewed the assessment, treatment and follow-up of 21 youths with ID referred because of early onset of psychotic symptoms. RESULTS: Just over one half of the patients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. One third of the sample carried the diagnosis of psychosis NOS (not otherwise specified). After careful review, five out of seven of these psychotic-like cases were assessed as non-psychotic. Patients with Psychosis NOS associated with moderate or severe ID had the worst outcome. CONCLUSION: This clinical review provides important information about the identification, diagnosis and outcome of psychotic symptoms in youth with low verbal abilities.