Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known to increase a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been reported to be an effective psychotherapy for MDD. However, this is not the case with ASD. In this case study, based on the hypothesis that it is effective in treating MDD with ASD, we adapted the ACT Matrix, a tool for visualizing an individual's experiences in the context of ACT, and administered 15 sessions to a woman with MDD with ASD following the onset of photo dermatosis. By the end of the final session, there was an increase in value-based behaviors and significant changes in depressive symptoms as well as significant changes in process measures such as experience avoidance, mindfulness, and progress toward a valued life. Six months after the end of the session, the improvement in symptoms was even stronger and the process measure of obstruction to a valued life was significantly improved. The ACT Matrix may thus ameliorate MDD in patients with ASD.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavioral flexibility and is found in about 1% of the population [1]
The following case study describes how the ACT Matrix was applied to a Japanese female whose diagnosis was major depressive disorder (MDD) with ASD in enabling her valued behaviors
This case study shows that the application of the ACT matrix may be effective for MDD with ASD
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and behavioral flexibility and is found in about 1% of the population [1]. The horizontal line divides each half into two parts, one of which contains actions aimed at moving away from unwanted experiences, and the other contains actions aimed at moving toward someone or something important. The client thereby acquires psychological flexibility by noticing the difference between the five senses and mental experience and noticing the difference between moving toward who or what is important and moving away from unwanted inner experiences [6]. The matrix is a great way to practice perspective taking skills visually, by just pointing out the differences, and is speculated to be a useful tool for MDD with ASD, there have been no reports as yet. The following case study describes how the ACT Matrix was applied to a Japanese female whose diagnosis was MDD with ASD in enabling her valued behaviors
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