Journal article
Disability, functioning, and quality of life among treatment-seeking young autistic adults and its relation to depression, anxiety, and stress
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, Vol.23(7), pp.1675-1686
2019
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
In this study, we consecutively recruited treatment-seeking young autistic adults without intellectual impairment aged 16-30 years who presented to a mental health service and evaluated general health (distress, quality of life, and disability), functioning (work loss days and social functioning), and mood symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) in those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (n= 96). This group was compared to young adults presenting to the same service with primary mental health disorders (depression, n= 343; bipolar, n= 132; psychosis, n= 166; and anxiety, n= 303). This study also investigated the influence of mood symptoms on general health and functioning in the autism spectrum disorder group. Young autistic adults reported significant general health and functioning impairments that were of similar degree to those presenting with primary mental health disorders. Interestingly, the autistic group also reported similarly high levels of mood symptoms to those with primary depressive and anxiety disorders. In the autistic group, depressive symptoms were strongly associated with distress, quality of life, and work loss days, while stress symptoms were strongly associated with disability. This study highlights further research, and mental health services are required specifically targeting young autistic adults to address their significant unmet needs.
Details
- Title
- Disability, functioning, and quality of life among treatment-seeking young autistic adults and its relation to depression, anxiety, and stress
- Authors
- Shin Ho Park (Author) - University of SydneyYun Ju C Song (Author) - University of SydneyEleni A Demetriou (Author) - University of SydneyKaren L Pepper (Author) - University of SydneyAlice Norton (Author) - University of SydneyEmma E Thomas (Author) - University of SydneyIan B Hickie (Author) - University of SydneyDaniel F Hermens (Author) - University of the Sunshine CoastNick Glozier (Author) - University of SydneyAdam J Guastella (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication details
- Autism : the international journal of research and practice, Vol.23(7), pp.1675-1686
- Publisher
- Sage Publications Ltd.
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1177/1362361318823925
- ISSN
- 1362-3613
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451351302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Developmental
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Source: InCites