pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Characterization of depression in children with autism spectrum disorders - PubMed

Review

Characterization of depression in children with autism spectrum disorders

Katherine M Magnuson et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011 May.

Abstract

Depressive syndromes represent a disabling comorbidity for many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, the ascertainment of depression can be complicated by phenotypic overlap between the 2 conditions, by ways in which autistic symptomatology can mask cardinal features of depression and by atypical manifestations of depression in children with ASD. These issues have contributed to wide variation in the estimation of prevalence rates of depression in individuals with ASD and invoke the need for new approaches to the specific detection of depression and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities that aggregate in children affected by ASD. The authors review the scientific literature relevant to the occurrence of depression in ASD and consider important parameters of risk, including psychosocial factors such as insight into affectation status, as well as biological factors such as the aggregation of depressive syndromes in certain families affected by autism, which has suggested possible overlap in genetic influences underlying the 2 conditions. Variability in the manifestations of depression across environmental contexts provides important clues to intervention and underscores the potential importance of involving multiple informants in ascertaining depression in children and adolescents with ASD. A practical strategy for evaluating the presence of depression in youth with ASD is synthesized from the available data and discussed.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1

A proposed strategy for ascertainment and characterization of depressive syndromes in youth with ASD. Such an algorithm is testable, and if proven, has the potential to be utilized at routine well-child care visits or specialist visits.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Boerma J, Fat DM, Mathers C, Organization WH. The global burden of disease: 2004 Update. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2008.
    1. Keenan-Miller D, Hammen CL, Brennan PA. Health outcomes related to early adolescent depression. J Adolesc Health. 2007 Sep;41(3):256–262. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Pediatrics. 2009 Apr;123(4):1223–1228. - PubMed
    1. Williams SB, O'Connor EA, Eder M, Whitlock EP. Screening for child and adolescent depression in primary care settings: a systematic evidence review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Pediatrics. 2009 Apr;123(4):e716–735. - PubMed
    1. Ghaziuddin M, Ghaziuddin N, Greden J. Depression in persons with autism: implications for research and clinical care. J Autism Dev Disord. 2002 Aug;32(4):299–306. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms