In psychiatry, there are a number of psychological disorders, described in detail and not questioned when making a diagnosis. This psychological disorder used to be equated with autism. But the famous Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger studied in detail the behavioral characteristics of people with this deviation and found out that it is radically different from autism. This syndrome is named after the researcher – Asperger Syndrome.
People suffering from this disorder have a very specific range of occupations and interests that characterize them. At first glance, they are absolutely normal, especially in childhood, since they do not have speech and mental abnormalities.
Research by psychiatrists
Hans Asperger investigated this disorder by observing the behaviors of young Nazis in the midst of nascent fascism. According to other sources, also during the war, the psychiatrist examined mental abnormalities in children who did not have the ability to communicate other than speech. He concluded that people with this deviation have absolutely no inclinations to compassion or empathy; children with such a disorder are very hysterical, clumsy and absolutely not familiar with the concept of empathy, empathy for peers.
Scientist psychiatrist Lorraine Wing went further in the study of deviation and suggested that it was based on a genetic disorder. However, this theory is not confirmed by scientific facts. In his opinion, Asperger Syndrome is significantly different from autism. As mentioned above, the first symptoms cannot be established in childhood, and its manifestations begin only in adolescence. Such children are distinguished by a manic disposition to order in things, an abnormal dependence on collecting, and they also have no friends among peers, they are extremely closed, closed to new acquaintances. Often there are attacks of fear of ordinary things, such as, for example, a working vacuum cleaner.
Unusual abilities of people with Asperger syndrome
One of the characteristics of patients with Asperger syndrome, according to psychiatrists, is the love of fantasy. It is not surprising that it is among them that there are so many outstanding musicians, as well as artists and science fiction writers. In the light of modern technology, such people easily immerse their brain in the computer world and create programs and creations unthinkable for the average person.
Danger to society
The fact that people with Asperger’s Syndrome pose a danger to society was first talked about when the terrible murder of 55 people on the island of Tasmania occurred. As it turned out, the killer suffered from this syndrome. His manner of behavior resembled a frightened and upset child.
Is treatment and adaptation possible in society?
The main tasks in treating a person with Asperger’s syndrome are mitigating manifestations that affect the quality of life, as well as adapting a person in society to communicative and speech characteristics appropriate to the age of the patient.
The most popular and effective is combination therapy: drug and social effects on the patient. Medications are aimed at suppressing symptoms such as inflicting bodily injuries, attacks of aggression, repetitive actions in a series of behavioral patterns common to the patient.
As for non-pharmacological methods of exposure, these are various trainings on socialization, behavioral psychotherapy, exercise in the correct behavior during stress and withdrawal from it. At the same time, other associated problems are identified and eliminated, for example, anxious neurosis and severe depression. Physical therapy is also used to improve sensory sensations and coordinate body movements.
The prospect of treatment
In general, the prognosis of the course of the disease is more favorable than the prognosis for autistic disorders, which have more serious consequences. In people with Asperger’s Syndrome, the symptoms worsen over time, although throughout life they have a higher risk of neurosis, depressive states, including suicidal behavior.