Luigi Mazzone – författare

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on autism in females, in order to help understand and clarify gender implications in the autistic female phenotype. Despite the reported higher risk of developing autism in males than in females, few studies have investigated the gender differences at the clinical and neurobiological level. Possible genetic protective factors, as well as differing neurobiological brain trajectories, could be responsible for the male/female discrepancy in prevalence rates (4:1). Moreover, a different clinical phenotype regarding the onset of symptoms, behavioral features and social motivation often skews diagnosis in women. Specifically, the phenomenon of camouflaging or hiding symptoms in high functioning females, due to behavioral coping strategies, contributes to incorrect or delayed diagnosis.

In addition to addressing an important gap in the literature, this book provides concrete and specific diagnostic recommendations and intervention strategies. In addition, a dedicated chapter presents clinical case reports and shares the personal experiences of autistic women. Given its scope, the book will appeal to clinicians and practitioners, as well as researchers and students in the fields of child and adult psychiatry, psychology and neuropsychiatry.

This book explains in detail the diagnosis, management, and treatment of comorbid disorders in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Important insights are provided into the nature of the symptoms of psychiatric comorbidities in these patients, and particularly children and adolescents, with a view to assisting clinicians in reaching a correct diagnosis that will permit the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies, whether psychological or pharmacological. The full range of potential comorbidities is considered, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, eating disorders, disruptive behavioral disorders, Tourette’s disorder, and substance-related disorders. In each case guidance is provided on how to avoid incorrectly attributing symptoms to ASD and on treatment options. Psychiatric Comorbidities in Autism Spectrum Disorders will be of value to all practitioners who are confronted by patients with these complex co-occurring conditions.