Epileptic-Like Disorder as an Underlying Condition in ASD, OCD, and ADHD

Background: In our clinical practice, we have observed epileptic-like disorders that often accompany autistic spectrum (ASD), obsessive-compulsive (OCD), and attention deficit hyperactive disorders (ADHD). From these observations, we hypothesized that epileptic-like disorders aren’t simply a frequent comorbid syndrome but rather an underlying etiological factor of the three disorders. Purpose: Care for these patients is problematic, and their disease seriously affects their quality of life. Finding an appropriate pharmacological treatment is central to improving their condition. Methods: We present the clinical vignettes of two patients with ASD, OCD, and ADHD at various intellectual levels. These patients are very different in many aspects of their life story and pathology. They differ in the severity of the three disorders, their location on the ASD spectrum, and their intellectual level. Results: Our observations gave us grounds to suspect a common epileptic-like root. The tuning of antiepileptic treatment in the first patient and introducing Pregabalin for the second reduced their symptomatology and substantially increased their quality of life. Conclusions: In our experience with ASD, OCD, and ADHD comorbidity with different clinical profiles and intellectual levels, adjusting or introducing the antiepileptic treatment showed positive effects. This fact seems consistent with our hypothesis. We would welcome more studies on this subject that could lead to a quantitative assessment of our idea.