Background

Bleuler, the Swiss Psychiatrist who coined the term 'schizophrenia', considered autism to be an integral part of the diagnosis of this psychotic disorder. Until recently there has been an overlap in the diagnostic criteria for the disorders, for example in between childhood schizophrenia and autism in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. There has also been interest in the genetic link between autism and schizophrenia, for example in the overlap in copy number variants (CNVs) in these disorders. Also, clinical observations and case studies have described how those on the autistic spectrum may present with psychotic symptoms in early life - which is referred to in the International Classification of Diseases. However, there are few longitudinal studies in this area.

Hypothesis

The aim of the study is to explore whether those with early autistic symptoms (social interaction and language problems, and unusual behaviours) are more likely to present with psychotic-like symptoms in later life. Secondary analysis would include gender, IQ and family history, and we would refine predictors by looking at specific types of autistic symptom groups.

Methods

Data would be taken from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), and specifically:

1) Data from children aged 7/8:

Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) Parent Interview

Section M: Other problems

M1. In her first 3 years of life, was there anything that seriously worried you about:

a) her speech development?

i) has this cleared up completely?

b) how she got on with other people?

i) has this cleared up completely?

c) any odd rituals or unusual habits that were very hard to interrupt?

i) has this cleared up completely?

M3 - SKUSE (Social and Communication Disorders Checklist) questions

How much do the following descriptions apply to your study child?

Over the last 6 months:

a) not aware of other people's feelings

b) does not realise when others are upset or angry

c) does not notice the effect of her behaviour on other members of the family

d) her behaviour often disrupts normal family life

e) very demanding of other people's time

f) difficult to reason with when upset

g) does not seem to understand social skills e.g. interrupts conversations constantly

h) does not pick up on body language

i) does not understand how she should behave when she is out e.g. in shops, or other people's houses

j) does not realise that she offends people with her behaviour

k) does not respond when told to do something

l) cannot follow a command unless it is carefully worded

m) Do you have any other comments or concerns?

2) At age 14:

Data from Psychosis Interview - Psychotic Like Symptoms (PLIKS)

Analysis

I underwent the 'Introduction to Stata' course at the University of Bristol in February 2010 and aim to use this software to analyse the data.