6533b838fe1ef96bd12a45ca
RESEARCH PRODUCT
false
subject
education.field_of_studymedicine.medical_specialtyPopulationCognitionmedicine.diseasebehavioral disciplines and activitiesSubstance abuseHigh-functioning autismPsychiatry and Mental healthSocial skillsmental disordersmedicineAutismAnxietymedicine.symptomPsychologyeducationPsychiatryNeurocognitiveClinical psychologydescription
Low prevalence of substance-use disorder has been reported in adults with autism. However, on a superficial level, adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) display a ‘normal’ facade when they drink alcohol, which may explain why their alcohol dependency is not better diagnosed. Here, we report two cases of HFA adults who use alcohol and psychostimulants to cope with their anxiety and improve their cognitive abilities and social skills. We analyze how neurocognitive traits associated with HFA may be potential triggers for substance-use disorder. Better identification of autism and its cognitive impairments, which may be vulnerability traits for developing substance-use disorders, could help improve the diagnosis and treatment of substance-use disorders among this population.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-07-07 | BMC Psychiatry |