Treatment of Addiction in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Addictive disorders, such as substance abuse and dependencies included in the DSM-IV Codes (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994) and DSM-S substance use disorders, are common disorders involving either the overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs or behavioral addictions such as gambling, Internet gaming, or video gaming disorders. Regarding comorbidity with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), many studies have reported a reward system dysfunction in individuals with ASD, as well as hypoactivation in the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, associated with poor dopamine activity in response to social and monetary reward. Cerebral dopamine dysfunction has also been reported in ASD, akin to what has consistently been found in individuals with substance use disorder. Thus, neurobiologically speaking, individuals with ASD may have a higher risk of developing addictive disorders. Furthermore, psychiatric comorbidities frequently found in individuals with ASD (i.e., ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders) are also frequently reported in addictive disorders. Lastly, psychological and neuropsychological features associated with ASD, such as impulsiveness and cognitive rigidity, may predispose these individuals to developing addictive disorders. In the present work, following inpatients with ASD, and epidemiological reminder, we examine these different aspects of addictive behaviors specific treatments that might suit this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)