Journal
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
Volume 52, Issue 6, Pages 2819-2824Publisher
SPRINGER/PLENUM PUBLISHERS
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05085-7
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder; Depression; Adulthood; Community activities; PHQ-9
Categories
Funding
- National Institute of Mental Health Research Education [R25 MH104159]
- Brown University
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Engagement in activities is associated with milder depressive symptoms in autistic adults, while a family history of depression/anxiety may increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Promoting community-based activities and family support systems is crucial in developing effective treatment plans for depressive symptoms in autistic adults.
Autistic individuals are at risk for developing depression though the risk and protective factors for co-occurring depression in autistic individuals are not yet fully characterized. In this retrospective medical chart review study, we explored factors associated with self-reported depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) in autistic adults (N = 58). For autistic adults, engagement in one or more activities (recreational, educational and/or vocational) was associated with less severe depressive symptoms (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.006); and reported family history of depression/anxiety was associated with increased likelihood of suicidal ideation (Chi-square test, p = 0.027). Promotion of community-based activities and family support systems may be an integral part of creating effective treatment plans for depressive symptoms in autistic adults.
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