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Prevalence of Asperger's Syndrome in a Secure Hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Peter Scragg*
Affiliation:
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London
Amitta Shah
Affiliation:
Purley, London
*
Peter Scragg, Department of Psychological Medicine, Mental Health Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NT

Abstract

Background

The hypothesis that Asperger's syndrome (AS) may go unrecognised in forensic populations was examined by ascertaining the prevalence in Broadmoor Special Hospital.

Method

The entire male patient population was screened by examination of case notes. Identified cases were subject to the next stage of the study, which involved observation and interviewing of patients, and a semi-structured interview of key staff.

Results

A prevalence of 1.5% (0.6% to 3.3%, 95% CI) was found. The addition of equivocal cases increased the prevalence to 2.3%.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AS in Broadmoor Hospital is greater than that reported for the general population.

British Journal of Psychiatry (1994), 165, 679–682

Type
Short papers
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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