The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in adult psychiatric inpatients: A systematic review

Tromans, Samuel, Chester, Verity, Kiani, Reza, Alexander, Regi and Brugha, Terry (2018) The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in adult psychiatric inpatients: A systematic review. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health, 14. pp. 177-187. ISSN 1745-0179

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Abstract

Background: Whilst the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in adults within the community setting is well-established, less is known about the prevalence among adults based within a psychiatric inpatient setting. Objective: To conduct a systematic literature review pertaining to the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among the adult psychiatric inpatient population. Method: Eligibility criteria included: (a) investigation of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (b) adult psychiatric inpatient study population (c) published in English language. Electronic databases accessed included PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and EMBASE. Additionally, the ancestry method was utilised for the references of eligible papers, as well as grey literature searches and consultation with experts in the field. Results: From the search, 4 studies were identified which satisfied the inclusion criteria, conducted in a variety of inpatient psychiatric settings, including secure forensic and intellectual disability units and a state psychiatric hospital. There were significant differences in methodological approaches, including the screening tests, diagnostic instruments and diagnostic criteria utilised. Autism spectrum disorder prevalence estimates varied considerably, from 2.4-9.9%. Conclusion: From the limited research data currently available, it appears that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders is increased in inpatient psychiatric settings relative to the general population. There is a need for further high quality research in this patient group, to add to this limited evidence base, as well as in developing effective strategies to identify patients with a high likelihood of autism spectrum disorders within this setting.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 14 Sep 2018 14:30
Last Modified: 12 May 2023 16:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/68289
DOI: 10.2174/1745017901814010177

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