Schizotypal autism
Schizotypal autism or Mendelsohnn's syndrome is an extraordinarily rare neurodevelopmental disorder[1] similar to Asperger syndrome; however, it originates from a schizotypal continuum rather than an autistic spectrum. It is characterized by impaired social interaction, non-verbal communication, ritualistic and obsessive behaviour, an above average intelligence and schizotypal symptoms often resulting in secondary depression and anxiety. It is a lifelong condition; however, it becomes particularly notable in periods of stress. It occurs in North Eastern European populations, and is only officially recognised in Russia, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Estonia and Belarus as a psychiatric disorder. It more than likely exists in other locations but is not recognised as a disorder, thus cannot be officially diagnosed.
Signs and Symptoms
- A classical symptom is seasonal affective disorder.
For a diagnosis patients need specific symptoms associated with "classical" Aspergers Syndrome, these are usually present from toddler age, like an ASD:
- Difficulties with social interaction
- Ritualistic behaviour
- Obsessive interests
- High IQ
- Impaired motor skills
- Inability to ""mentalize"
- Anxiety
But also symptoms of schizotypy[2] which usually become more prominent in late childhood years:
- Aloofness
- Suspiciousness
- Verbosity or odd use of language
- Pseudohallucinations
- Depressive episodes
- Paranoia
- Suicidal thoughts
Treatment
In late childhood patients typically start to require medical intervention because of suicidal thoughts. Due to the wide range and severity of symptoms therapeutic methods often seem to fail; however, CBT is usually used. The following medications may be beneficial for individual symptoms:
- Barbiturates, although in Finland and Estonia benzodiazepines are preferred due to lower suicide risks.
- SSRI's
- Antipsychotics - particularly Risperdal
Epidemiology
It is currently understood that around 1000 people have this condition. Due to this condition only being recognized in certain countries, the statistics may be inaccurate. It is estimated that over 80% of cases are in Finland and North West Russia. The vast majority of literature on schizotypal autism is in Finnish or Russian. Vacilly Mendelsohnn noted that due to the extremely high IQ of patients he could guarantee that the world's most intelligent person has this condition and speculates that mathematician Grigori Perelmann does.
References
- ↑ Tager-Flusberg, Helen (1999). Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. A Bradford Book. ISBN 978-0262201162
- ↑ http://psychcentral.com/disorders/schizotypal-personality-disorder-symptoms/