Bladder and bowel dysfunction, adaptive behaviour and psychiatric profiles in adults affected by autism spectrum disorders

Aims Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) have been recognized in children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no consistent information exist in adults with the condition. We evaluated the prevalence of BBD and the impact of psychiatric and behavioural profiles in adults affected by ASD. Methods Twenty-two adults and 13 children/teens with ASD and a matched group of typically developing subjects (TD) were prospectively studied. Patients and TD subjects underwent the evaluation of urinary incontinence (UI: diurnal, continuous or intermittent), nocturnal enuresis (NE), and bowel disturbances with the 3-day voiding and bowel diary. In addition, assessment of intellectual disability (ID) and psychiatric and adaptive behaviours with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Scale (NPI) and the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale 2nd Edition (Vineland-II), was performed. Results In adults, any type of incontinence was observed in 81.8% of cases, and NE and intermittent UI in 59.0% and 36.3% of patients, respectively. Faecal incontinence and constipation were detected 36.3% and in 68.1% of cases, respectively. ID was severe in 2 cases and profound in 18; NPI and Vineland-II items most affected were Irritability/Lability, Motor Activity, and Agitation, and IQ-Socialization and IQ-Communication. Significant relationships were identified between intermittent UI and greater ID (P < .02) and high anxiety (P < .05), and between NE and high euphoria/elevated mood (P < .05). These results were similar to those observed in children/teens. Conclusions Adults with ASD, and greater ID and mood disorders, present with a high prevalence of BBD. A shared pathogenetic mechanism could underlie the co-occurrence of ASD, mood disorders, and BBD.