The role of the broader autism phenotype in anxiety and depression in college-aged adults

Abstract

The current study examines the relationship between the presence of autistic traits and anxiety and mood disorders in young adults from different racial groups. A representative sample from a predominately white university (2,791 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 185 Black students) completed the broad autism phenotype questionnaire (BAPQ), a measure of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to perform two multiple regression analyses to determine the association between race, BAPQ score and anxiety and depression symptoms. The current study found a stronger association between autistic traits had depression and anxiety symptoms in Black participants than did NHW participants. These findings underscore the association between autistic traits and anxiety and depression in Black communities, and the need for further studies on this topic area. Additionally, it highlights the importance of improving access to mental health care for this population.