Risk of psychiatric comorbidity with autism spectrum disorder and its association with diagnosis timing using a nationally representative cohort

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BackgroundA major issue of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is having a comorbid, psychiatric disorder. However, the mental health of those with ASD is understudied. This study this study utilized a nationally representative population-based cohort data, to investigate the risk of psychiatric comorbidity with ASD and its association with, diagnosis timing. MethodsCharacteristics of those without ASD, ASD (overall), early-diagnosed ASD, and latediagnosed, ASD were compared using a chi-squared test. Subsequently, a multiple, logistic regression was performed to estimate the risk of psychiatric comorbidity in, those with ASD, early-diagnosed ASD, and late-diagnosed ASD compared to those, without ASD, after controlling for covariates. Moreover, the association of psychiatric, comorbidity and diagnosis timing of ASD was investigated using multiple logistics while controlling for covariates. ResultsIndividuals with ASD had a higher risk of having a psychiatric disorder than those, without ASD. Specifically, those with ASD showed a higher risk of schizophrenia and, related disorders, mood disorders, anxiety and stress disorders, intellectual disability, and behavioral and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring during childhood, and adolescence compared to those without ASD. Moreover, individuals with latediagnosed, ASD showed a higher risk of having all comorbid psychiatric disorder than, early-diagnosed ASD when compared to non-ASD, except for schizophrenia and related disorders. ConclusionsChildren with ASD are at a higher risk of psychiatric comorbidity than typically, developed children. Especially early ASD diagnosis may be important in alleviating the, risk of psychiatric comorbidity of those with ASD.