IMPACT OF CONCOMITANT MENTAL ILLNESSES ON THE CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n4p561-575Abstract
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by alterations in social communication and restricted behavioral patterns, presenting high clinical heterogeneity. In this context, psychiatric comorbidities exert a significant influence on the clinical, cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes of individuals. Thus, this study aimed to identify the influence of psychiatric comorbidities on the clinical and functional outcomes of individuals with ASD. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, and Psychiatry Online databases, using the descriptors "Autism Spectrum Disorder" AND "Psychiatric Comorbidities". Articles published between 2016 and 2026, in English, related to ASD associated with psychiatric comorbidities were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies comprised the final sample. Results: Studies have shown a high prevalence of comorbidities such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and sleep disorders. Among the main impacts observed are deficits in executive functions, emotional dysregulation, adaptive difficulties, academic and social impairment, high levels of psychological distress, and an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Furthermore, the coexistence of multiple comorbidities intensifies clinical severity, hinders differential diagnosis, and increases the demand for specialized services. Conclusion: Psychiatric comorbidities significantly influence the clinical evolution of ASD, exacerbating cognitive, emotional, and functional deficits. Therefore, the importance of early identification and the adoption of multidisciplinary and individualized therapeutic approaches is highlighted, aiming to improve the quality of life and clinical outcomes of individuals with ASD.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Psychiatric comorbidities, Differential diagnosis.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Andrea Italiano da Nobrega Figueiredo Araujo, Jadson Santana de Almeida, João Correia de Oliveira Neto, João Pedro Varelo de Araújo, João Victor Bernardino Pereira, João Victor da Costa Araujo, Milena Nunes Alves de Sousa
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