Depression in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review of Studies Published Between 2012 and 2016

Abstract

Depression has long been a clinical concern in youth with autism, yet systematic research examining its prevalence, presentation, and treatment has only begun to emerge more recently. Using the search terms autism, asd, or autistic and depression, depressive, dysthymia, or dysthymic, this systematic review identified 43 articles focused on symptoms of depression in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders published between 2012 and 2016. The results of the review indicate that depression is more common in youth with autism spectrum disorders than in typically developing youth and is associated with a multitude of other medical and psychiatric conditions. Unfortunately, few intervention studies have been conducted despite evidence of need and preliminary efficacy for some psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.