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TUESDAY, April 2, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seems to have reduced the number of ASD diagnoses, according to a review published online March 9 in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Kristine M. Kulage, M.P.H., from the Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City, and colleagues examined changes in the frequency of ASD diagnoses since the DSM-5 publication in a five-year follow-up systematic review and meta-analysis. Data were included for 33 studies.<\/p>\n
The researchers found that use of DSM-5 criteria indicates reductions in the diagnosis of ASD (20.8 percent; P < 0.001), DSM-IV-TR autistic disorder (10.1 percent; P < 0.001), and Asperger syndrome (23.3 percent; P = 0.001); a nonsignificant decrease was seen in pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (46.1 percent; P = 0.52). Overall, 28.8 percent (P = 0.06) of individuals diagnosed with DSM-IV-TR but not DSM-5 ASD would qualify for social communication disorder. Compared with earlier reviews, the findings suggested smaller decreases in ASD diagnoses.<\/p>\n
“Our findings provide further insight regarding how the DSM-5 is being used nationally and internationally to diagnose, or failing to diagnose, those with ASD,” Kulage said in a statement. “Future research is needed, as concerns remain for impaired individuals, who, because of the change in diagnostic criteria for ASD, may no longer qualify for treatment but still demonstrate a need for services.”<\/p>\n
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