Question

Is there a relationship between Asperger's Syndrome and Psychosis?

Answer 1

Psychosis is NOT related to Asperger's Syndrome.

Explanation:

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality. People experiencing a psychotic episode may experience hallucinations, hold delusional beliefs, demonstrate personality changes and exhibit disorganized thinking. This is often accompanied by a lack of insight into the unusual or bizarre nature of such behavior, difficulties with social interaction and impairments in carrying out the activities of daily living. A psychotic episode is often described as involving a "loss of contact with reality".

Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism. However, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are NOT psychoses. They are pervasive developmental disorders, where a child between 1 and 5 begins to loose touch with the world, regress in some skills especially social and language. and become preoccupied with odd things.

Children with PDD spectrum disorders do not automatically have psychotic disorders. Some may have DUAL diagnosis, but most do not.

Sources:
http://www.autismweb.com
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger
http://www.aspergers.com
http://www.lovaas.com

Hope this helps! :-)