Vol. 5 No. 2 (2023): July - Decembre 2023
Clinical psychopathology

The Depression in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatments: a systematic review

pdf (Italiano)
  • Francesco Marino,
  • Rosalia Brancati,
  • Marta Luongo,
  • Luca Cacciapuoti,
  • Marica Gallo,
  • Angela Ammendola,
  • Simona Durante,
  • Salvatore Di Donna,
  • Flavia Morfini
Francesco Marino
SiPGI
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32069/PJ.2021.2.198

Published 2023-11-23

Keywords

  • Autism spectrum disorder; High functioning autism; Depression; Comorbidity; Adulthood

How to Cite

Marino, F., Brancati, R., Luongo, M., Cacciapuoti, L., Gallo, M., Ammendola, A., Durante, S., Di Donna, S., & Morfini, F. (2023). The Depression in adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatments: a systematic review. Phenomena Journal - International Journal of Psychopathology, Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, 5(2), 15–29. https://doi.org/10.32069/PJ.2021.2.198

Copyright (c) 2023 Francesco Marino, Rosalia Brancati, Marta Luongo, Luca Cacciapuoti, Marica Gallo, Angela Ammendola, Simona Durante, Salvatore Di Donna, Flavia Morfini

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Background: This study explores the connection between High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and depression in adults. Adults with ASD have a 4-fold higher risk than the general population of developing depression, due to factors such as deficits in Theory of Mind, social isolation, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation. While some cognitive and mindfulness-based therapies may help, diagnostic challenges and medication sensitivity complicate management. The aim of this systematic review is (1) to assess the extent of depressive symptomatology among adults with high-functioning autism and (2) to identify specific risk and protective factors associated with the development of depression in adults with high-functioning autism; (2) Methods: This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzed the comorbidity of depression in adults with high-functioning autism; 18 articles were included in the analysis at the end of the review; (3) Discussions: Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at high risk for depression. Depression can be influenced by autistic traits, complicating the picture. Some risk factors include executive function difficulties, Theory of Mind and facial recognition problems, social isolation and social difficulties, sleep disturbances, and an increased risk of suicide. Further research is needed to understand protective factors and effective treatments for depression in individuals with ASD.

pdf (Italiano)

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