Behavioral Disorganization as an Indicator of Psychosis in Adults With Intellectual Disability and Autism
Trine L. Bakken, R.N., MHSc, Svein Friis, Ph.D., Sverre Lovoll,
Nina A. Smeby, R.N., Ph.D. & Harald Martinsen

In adults with intellectual disability and autism, psychoses are rarely detected due to misinterpretation of psychotic symptoms being autism or impaired communication skills. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioral disorganization as an indicator of psychosis in this population. Forty-three adults with intellectual disability, autism, and a formerly diagnosed psychiatric disorder were recruited. Eight of these patients had moderate to severe intellectual disability and were assessed as having schizophrenia-like psychosis. Scores from a pilot study of the Psychopathology in Autism Checklist (PAC) were compared to case information on the 8 adults with psychosis. Behavioral disorganization, severely impaired global functioning, behavior suggesting hallucinations, and decreased sociability were observed in the 8 psychotic patients.

Ment Health Aspects Dev Disabil 2007;10(2):37-46