Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Youth
Author Information
Author(s): Jessica M. Schwartzman, Ligia Antezana, Caitlin M. Conner
Primary Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Lower behavioral activation and distress tolerance are associated with more severe anxiety and depression symptoms in autistic adolescents.
Conclusion
The study found that low distress tolerance and behavioral activation are linked to more severe anxiety and depression symptoms in autistic adolescents.
Supporting Evidence
- Low distress tolerance and behavioral activation were associated with more severe internalizing symptoms.
- Behavioral activation may be more relevant to treatment planning for depression than distress tolerance.
- Adolescents assigned female at birth reported lower distress tolerance and more severe internalizing symptoms.
Takeaway
This study shows that autistic teens who struggle to handle distress and engage in activities may feel more anxious and depressed.
Methodology
The study used correlational and regression analyses on self-reports from 100 autistic adolescents and their caregivers.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reports and caregiver reports, which may not fully capture the adolescents' experiences.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and the sample may not represent all autistic adolescents.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 100 verbally fluent autistic adolescents aged 11 to 17, with a majority being male, cisgender, and White.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
(0.11, 0.54)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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