Prevalence of Asperger's Syndrome in a Secure Hospital

Abstract

BackgroundThe hypothesis that Asperger's syndrome (AS) may go unrecognised in forensic populations was examined by ascertaining the prevalence in Broadmoor Special Hospital.MethodThe 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.ResultsA prevalence of 1.5% (0.6% to 3.3%, 95% CI) was found. The addition of equivocal cases increased the prevalence to 2.3%.ConclusionThe prevalence of AS in Broadmoor Hospital is greater than that reported for the general population.British Journal of Psychiatry (1994), 165, 679–682