AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a set of neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals with ASD present dysfunctions in social communication, as well as repetitive and specific practices, inclinations, and behaviors. However, these comorbid disorders often have atypical presentations, thus making it difficult to identify concomitant conditions. About adults, personality disorders (PDs) are among the main disorders coexisting with autism; the literature indicates that, in one study, 24% of autistic individuals have PDs as a comorbidity. PDs also affect human relationships, social interaction, and the functioning of the individual, as they are characterized by a pattern of behavior that deviates from common norms. However, they generally begin in adolescence or early adulthood. In the same way that autism is considered a spectrum, PDs also fit into the term, as they present difficulties that vary in intensity and are long-lasting. Understanding how ASD and personality disorders are interconnected can lead to more effective interventions, providing better support and quality of life for those affected. General Objective: To understand the differential diagnosis between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Personality Disorders. Specific Objectives: To differentiate ASD and Personality Disorders; To know the prevalence of ASD and Personality Disorders; To show through the literature the concomitant occurrence of ASD and Personality Disorders. This study consists of an integrative bibliographic review through a search for scientific articles, carried out from the indexing databases of the National Library of Medicine of the United States of America (MEDLINE/PubMed) and the Virtual Health Library (VHL). In addition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-V) was also used.