Smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) in patients with multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD), a subtype of the pervasive developmental disorder

Executive function in MCDD and PDD-NOS: a study of inhibitory control, attention regulation and behavioral adaptivity

A proportion of children within the autism spectrum is at risk for severe deregulation of thought, emotion and behaviour resulting in (symptoms of) psychotic disorders over the course of development. In an attempt to identify this subgroup, children with PDD-NOS, subtype MCDD (n = 24) were compared to children with PDD-NOS (n = 23) on executive function (EF) skills. Significant differences emerged, always to the disadvantage of the children with PDD-NOS, subtype MCDD on various EF measures. The findings suggest compromised attention regulation and impaired inhibitory control in children with MCDD, which may help explain high levels of thought problems which are frequently observed in these children. Our findings provide evidence for recognizing a PDD subcategory of MCDD that is of specific interest with regard to long-term developmental risks involved.

"Autism-plus" spectrum disorders: intersection with psychosis and the schizophrenia spectrum

Patients are often encountered clinically who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and also have symptoms suggestive of a comorbid psychotic disorder. A careful assessment for the presence of comorbid disorders is important. However, the core deficits seen in ASD, in social reciprocity, communication, and restricted behaviors and interests, can be mistaken for psychosis. Also, there is a subset of patients who present with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with impairments that cross diagnostic categories. This article reviews the connections between ASD and psychosis, and highlights the key points to consider in patients who present with these "autism-plus" disorders.

[The concept of «multiple complex developmental disorder» - a disorder of social interaction, paranoid thinking and social anxiety in a 17-year-old boy]

OBJECTIVES

Multiple complex developmental disorder (MCDD) is a little-known disorder characterized by disturbances in the regulation of emotions, social interactions and thought disorders. Neither the classification system of ICD-10 nor the DSM-IV lists MCDD as an independent disorder.

METHODS

The study presents an overview on diagnostic criteria, current research and illustration by a case report of a 17-year-old adolescent.

RESULTS

MCDD, autistic disorders and schizophrenic disorders partially overlap. A clear classification or differentiation is currently not clearly possible.

CONCLUSIONS

Many open questions remain, and further research is needed.