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New Research: Asperger Syndrome and Depression
Jul 15, 2011 Melanie Hundley
Is new Swedish research a wake-up call to adult Asperger Syndrome patients including their care providers? Major depression and anxiety disorders reported.
University and hospital researchers in Sweden are publishing a new study in the September 2011 issue of Research in Developmental Disabilities that raises critical awareness particularly for adult patients living with Asperger Syndrome.
As Lugnegard, Hallerback, and Gillberg report, much less research has been published for adult patients of normal intelligence dealing with autism spectrum disorders and/or Asperger Syndrome (AS). They conducted a study of 54 willing adults with a clinical diagnosis of AS. About half were women. Their report details the varied clinical backgrounds of these participants who averaged the age of 27. Interestingly, 52% of the group received their AS diagnosis in their late teens or later.
Highlighted Results
Lugnegard et al report:
- 70% had experienced at least one episode of major depression (and about half of those had recurrent major depression, and five met criteria for bipolar II disorder);
- 56% met criteria for at least one anxiety disorder, some with two or more. Various aspects of anxiety were commented including: social anxiety disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
- Two met criteria for psychosis;
- 13% had experienced recurrent hallucinations (primarily auditory) without other signs of psychosis;
- 4% had bulimia nervosa;
- 11% had previous substance dependence disorder;
- 30% had been given an earlier diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and
- 2% had been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.
Socio-economic and gender differences did not appear to influence the observed results.
What Is Major Depression?
The U.S. National Center for Biotechnology offers these possible symptoms of depression:
- Agitation, restlessness, and irritability;
- Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss;
- Very difficult to concentrate;
- Fatigue and lack of energy;
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness;
- Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt;
- Becoming withdrawn or isolated;
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed;
- Thoughts of death or suicide;
- Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping; and
- Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
What Can Be Learned Here?
The Swedish report reads like a call to action for depression awareness with AS. They point out how "strikingly high" the rate of lifetime major depression was observed in young adults with AS and how these results align with their clinical experience treating "hundreds of individuals with AS."
The research team mentions that no previous studies have focused on AS adults experiencing anxiety disorders. Various scenarios and social interactions are discussed that may explain how AS patients can be impacted or even disabled by related fears, e.g., fears of some social situations or even fears of the perceptions by others of their AS behaviors.
Next Steps
"Comorbidity" is the clinical term used for describing patients with two or more disease processes, and identifying tendencies for comorbidity is viewed as an important aspect in successful treatment.
Lugnegard and team report a "high level of alertness for additional psychiatric disorders is needed" when an AS type disorder is diagnosed. And conversely, those with long term histories of depression and/or anxiety should be assessed for other neuro-developmental disorders including AS.
Based on this report, adults with Asperger Syndrome should be vigilant in addressing any tendencies or experiences with depression with their doctor to ensure the best quality of life.
Special thanks to Tove Lugnegard for sharing additional information and insight on their research.
Other research-related articles by Melanie Hundley include: New Research: Police Work and Autism, 2011: ADHD Treatments Reviewed; New Research: Autism and Vaccines.
Disclaimer: The information and links contained in this article are for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a licensed medical doctor for advice.
Sources
Lugneg?rd, T., Hallerb?ck, M., & Gillberg, C. (2011). Psychiatric comorbidity in young adults with a clinical diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(5), 1910-1917. Retrieved July 8, 2011, from EBSCOhost online database. DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2011.03.025.
National Center for Biotechnology. (2010, April 26). Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from PubMed Health online database.
National Center for Biotechnology. (2011, April 11). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from PubMed Health online database.
National Center for Biotechnology. (2010, April 26). Autism. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from PubMed Health online database.
National Center for Biotechnology. (2011, March 29). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from PubMed Health online database.
National Center for Biotechnology. (2011, March 15). Major Depression. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from PubMed Health online database.
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