Multiple complex developmental disorder

Not to be confused with Multisystem developmental disorder.

Multiple complex developmental disorder is a research category, proposed to involve several neurological and psychological symptoms where at least some symptoms are first noticed during early childhood and persist throughout life. It was originally suggested to be a subtype of autistic spectrum disorders (PDD) with co-morbid schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, however there is some controversy that not everyone with MCDD meets criteria for both PDD and psychosis. The term multiplex developmental disorder was coined by Donald J. Cohen in 1986.

Diagnostic criteria

The current diagnostic criteria for MCDD is a matter of debate due to it not being in the DSM-IV or ICD-10. Various websites contain various diagnostic criteria. All three of the following categories must be present. Co-occurring clusters of symptoms must also not be better explained by being symptoms of another disorder such as experiencing random mood swings due to autism, cognitive difficulties due to schizophrenia, and so on. The exact diagnostic criteria for MCDD remains unclear but may be a useful diagnosis for people who do not fall into any specific category. It could also be argued that MCDD is a vague and unhelpful term for these patients. Unlike schizophrenia, MCDD symptoms emerge in earliest childhood, often in the first years of life, and persist throughout development. Diagnostic criteria for MCDD include:

Thought disorder symptoms

1. Sudden, irrational intrusions on normal thoughts
2. Magical thinking
3. Confusion between reality and fantasy
4. Delusions such as paranoid thoughts or fantasies of special powers

Affective symptoms

1. Impaired regulation of feelings
2. Intense, inappropriate anxiety
3. Recurrent panic
4. Emotional lability, without obvious cause

Impaired social behavior/sensitivity, similar to that seen in autism

1. Social disinterest
2. Detachment, avoidance of others, or withdrawal
3. Impaired peer relations
4. Highly ambivalent attachments
5. Limited capacity for empathy or understanding what others are thinking or feeling

MCDD savants

Some people with MCDD who also have savant abilities associated with different symptoms may have some advantages despite their disability because their unusual range of symptoms allows them to have a lot of creativity and an alternative thought processes. Several people famous in history have been thought to have features of autism and psychosis but were at the time, undiagnosable.

Causes

Multiple complex developmental disorder is likely to be caused by a number of different various genetic factors. Each individual with MCDD is unique from one another and displays different symptoms. Various neuropsychological disorders can also be found in family members of people with MCDD.

References

Other sources

• Weisbrot, Deborah M. (2005). ""Diagnostically Homeless": Is it ADHD? Mania? Autism? What to do if no diagnosis fits" (PDF). Current Psychiatry. 4 (2). Montvale, New Jersey: Dowden Health Media: 25–42. ISSN 1537-8276. OCLC 232115063. Retrieved August 28, 2009. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)