3.4 TACKLING ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDALITY IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Research over the past decade has confirmed that anxiety and depression are highly prevalent and potentially severe mental health conditions in children, adolescents, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, in the past 5 years, suicidality has also been recognized as more prevalent and likely to manifest at earlier ages in ASD compared to individuals without ASD. Assessment of anxiety and depression are complicated by difficulties with self-report and symptom overlap with ASD. Similarly, suicidality can be easily overlooked and is sometimes the presenting symptom of longstanding serious underlying mental health difficulties. The objectives of this session are to: 1) review the prevalence and risk factors contributing to depression in ASD; 2) provide strategies to assess depression in ASD and illustrate the various clinical phenotypes of depression in this population; and 3) discuss emerging research on psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments for depression in ASD. Data for this talk will be obtained from a PubMed and PsycINFO search of published studies, particularly studies published in the last 18 months, as well as the presenter’s extensive clinical experience in working with this population. This talk will provide psychiatrists with new approaches to recognize and treat anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children with ASD, which draw from the available evidence and while recognizing that the mental health systems of care have not been fully developed to serve this population. Clinical cases and video clips will be presented to bring the presentation alive. Anxiety, depression, and suicidality are common conditions in individuals with ASD. Appropriate and timely treatment is recommended in order to improve outcomes for youth with ASD.