Asperger’s Syndrome with depression and substance abuse: First-time presentation and diagnosis in a 64-year old man
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Date
2018-07
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Desousa Foundation
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) rarely are brought to clinical notice in geriatric population. This case isof a 64 years old gentleman with high-functioning ASD (diagnosed as Asperger’s Syndrome) presenting forsocial/ communication deficits affecting his personal life and career, resulting in depression and substanceabuse. His family was skeptical about his symptoms. He was successfully treated for depression andsubstance abuse; CBT, psychoeducation, individual therapy, social skills training were done to help himcope with his ASD symptoms. Family therapy was done to improve the family’s understanding of ASD andbonding with him. After 1 year of treatment, he is thriving in all aspects – better family relations, careermanagement and personal emotional well-being. This opens up a discussion regarding undiagnosed ASD inolder adults and elderly, comorbidities, the resulting community mental health burden which goes neglected,and therefore the need for more vigilant detection, and treatment options.
Description
Keywords
Asperger’s Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, geriatric, older adults, diagnosis, comorbidities
Citation
Mukherjee Sayantani. Asperger’s Syndrome with depression and substance abuse: First-time presentation and diagnosis in a 64-year old man. Indian Journal of Mental Health . 2019 JUL; 6(3): 300-305