Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Characteristics and the Role of the Family

Abstract

Background: Anxiety Disorder (AD) is among the most common psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Likewise, parental psychological distress (PPD) was linked to anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD. The aim of this study was to characterise, in a sample of children and adolescents with ASD, anxiety symptoms, the functional impairment associated and the presence of PPD. Methods: Participants were divided into three groups based on their diagnosis: children and adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD+AD, others with a diagnosis of AD but without a diagnosis of ASD, and others with a diagnosis of ASD but without a diagnosis of AD. Results: Group ASD+AD showed lower global functioning than Group ASD and Group AD. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder and Specific Phobias were more frequent in Group ASD+AD. Our findings also showed higher depressive symptoms in Group ASD+AD, both in the child and parent reports. Finally, parents of the Group ASD+AD revealed higher levels of PPD. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that early assessment of AD with functional impairment associated with the role of PPD could define individualised treatments and consequently mean a better prognosis in children and adolescents with ASD and AD.

Characteristics of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Systematic Review

“…Research indicates that these deficiencies result in sleep disorders and disrupted psychomotor, social, and verbal skills (Galli et al, 2022;Sasa et al, 2003;Yoshimura et al, 2020), all traits associated with ASD. These observations explain the use of R-TBHP and folic acid as treatments to improve Anxiety and sleep disorder in ASD are related to disturbed dopamine synthesis Anxiety (Guerrera et al, 2022;van Steensel et al, 2011) and sleep disorders (Devnani & Hegde, 2015) are two of the most common comorbidities associated with ASD. Research has shown that the dopaminergic system is involved in anxiety disorder (Dong et al, 2020) and in the regulation of the sleep cycle (Oishi & Lazarus, 2017).…”

“…Anxiety (Guerrera et al, 2022; van Steensel et al, 2011) and sleep disorders (Devnani & Hegde, 2015) are two of the most common comorbidities associated with ASD. Research has shown that the dopaminergic system is involved in anxiety disorder (Dong et al, 2020) and in the regulation of the sleep cycle (Oishi & Lazarus, 2017).…”

Differential Diagnosis of ICD-11 Personality Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adolescents

“…Fourth, PD may sometimes be characterized by frantic attempts to maintain relationships in terms of not being abandoned by their significant other (e.g., a boyfriend). Such a pattern of what looks like separation anxiety often characterizes individuals with ASD [ 19 , 55 ] due to, for example, a lifelong and natural dependency on a parental figure who is the only person capable of interpreting the person’s autistic communication and needs [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. This is often the case for mothers who naturally adapt to their child’s needs throughout upbringing while compensating for other people’s lack of understanding.…”