ADHS und hochfunktionale Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen: Komorbidität oder Differentialdiagnose? Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede in der Diagnostik und Behandlung

ADHD and ASD are neurodevelopmental disorders beginning early in life and frequently occurring together. Both disorders share part of a common genetic basis, which can be seen in the higher probability that they co-occur in the same individual or in their families. To differentiate the two disorders and to assess if these are single disorders or comorbidities, a detailed diagnostic assessment including a third-party anamnesis about the long-term development has to be conducted. The psychopharmacological treatment of ADHD is similiar to the one without a comorbid ASD, but the medication should be started in a lower dosage than usual and be changed slowly according to the clinical symptoms.