Depressive pseudodementia in a child with autism.

Depression is rare in early childhood and unusual in autism in this age group. We describe a female child aged 6 years with autism who presented with regression of developmental skills previously gained. Her sleep and appetite were poor, her affect was sad, and she had morbid speech content. She res...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Main Authors: Pollard, A, Prendergast, M
Formato: Journal article
Idioma:English
Publicado: 2004
Descripción
Summary:Depression is rare in early childhood and unusual in autism in this age group. We describe a female child aged 6 years with autism who presented with regression of developmental skills previously gained. Her sleep and appetite were poor, her affect was sad, and she had morbid speech content. She responded to treatment with antidepressant medication. When this clinical picture occurs in adults it is called depressive pseudodementia; paediatric neurologists and neuropsychiatrists need to be aware of it in children.