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Telepsychiatry in Asperger’s syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2017

C. S. Clarke
C. S. Clarke*
Affiliation:
Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service, Dublin, Ireland Centre of Health Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr C. S. Clarke, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Dublin 1, Ireland. (Email: ciarans.clarke@hse.ie)
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Abstract

Background

Internet technology offers psychiatrists new opportunities for remote interaction with patients. It also raises issues regarding therapeutic effectiveness, safety, technical problems and possibilities for overcoming them, and matters related to specific mental health problems such as autism. The case presented concerns an adolescent male with severe social impairment and isolation as manifestations of Aspergers syndrome.

Methods

The patient was accepted contact with psychiatric services through telepsychiatry, which enabled initial assessment and the development of a therapeutic relationship.

Results

In due course the patient was able to attend the clinic in person. He became somewhat reconciled to his family. With appropriate adaptations he was able to resume his education and career.

Conclusions

Telepsychiatry shows promise in engaging with patients with autism spectrum disorders. As experience accrues, there is some evidence that it is safe and effective. Adaptations to traditional clinical psychotherapy may be required.

Keywords

AdolescenceASDAsperger’spsychotherapytelepsychiatry
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 35 , Issue 4 , December 2018 , pp. 325 - 328
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2017 

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