Mental Health Comorbidities Flashcards
What is the significance of early identification and intervention in mental health comorbidities for ASD?
Early identification and intervention are important but can sometimes be neglected.
What proportion of the ASD population has mental health comorbidities?
Around 1/3 of the ASD population has mental health comorbidities.
What percentage of individuals seeking clinical diagnosis in mental health settings have ASD?
Around 60% of those who seek clinical diagnosis.
How does the prevalence of mental health conditions in the general population compare to that of individuals with ASD?
The general population has around 10% prevalence in school-based settings.
What is the likelihood of developing a mental health condition before adulthood for individuals with ASD?
There is a 75% chance of developing a mental health condition prior to adulthood.
List some common mental health conditions associated with ASD.
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Tic Disorders
- OCD
- Mood Disorders
- Depression
- Psychosis
What is the difference between ‘splitters’ and ‘lumpers’ in terms of diagnosis?
‘Splitters’ diagnose ASD with other comorbid conditions, while ‘lumpers’ prefer a single diagnosis that encompasses all symptoms.
What does the term ‘parsimony’ refer to in the context of autism diagnosis?
Parsimony refers to the autism diagnosis encompassing core features and common associated challenges.
How does the trajectory of mental health conditions in individuals with ASD compare to that of the general population?
The trajectory mirrors the onset of disorders in the general population at similar developmental stages.
At what ages are mental health disorders most likely to emerge in ASD individuals?
- 2-3 years
- 5 years
- 10 years (late middle school)
- 15 years (mid adolescence)
- Early adulthood (20s)
What is the difference in diagnostic criteria for comorbid conditions between DSM-IV and DSM-V?
DSM-IV TR does not allow for comorbid diagnoses with ASD; DSM-V allows for both conditions to be diagnosed if symptoms thresholds are met.
What are some barriers to treating mental health in ASD?
- Commonly missed conditions
- Assumption that all abnormal behavior is due to ASD
- Different presentation of disorders
- Challenges with assessment tools
How do anxiety symptoms typically present in younger children with ASD?
Younger children may show tension and irritability instead of articulating their worries.
What are the common physical symptoms of anxiety in individuals with ASD?
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Tension
True or False: Individuals with ASD tend to report more cognitive symptoms of anxiety than physical symptoms.
False
What are the main differences between ADHD and ASD regarding social interactions?
- ADHD: seeks novelty, misses social cues
- ASD: prefers familiarity, interprets social signals differently
What triggers mood disorders in individuals with ASD?
Triggers often include bullying and negative peer experiences.
What percentage of individuals with ASD will have a depressive episode before adulthood?
1/3 of individuals with ASD will have a depressive episode.
What are some signs of mood disorders in individuals with ASD?
- Unhappiness
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Withdrawal
- Vegetative symptoms
What distinguishes autistic burnout from pure depression?
Autistic burnout leads to increased fatigue and loss of ability to mask, while pure depression leads to negative thoughts about self and the world.
What are the key differences between Tic Disorders and OCD in ASD?
- Tics: involuntary movements, onset around age 6-7
- OCD: distressing thoughts leading to compulsive behaviors, onset can be earlier
What is ARFID, and how does it differ from anorexia in individuals with ASD?
ARFID involves sensory-based avoidance of certain foods, while anorexia is focused on calorie counting and body image.
What psychotherapeutic treatment is effective for anxiety in individuals with ASD?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy for anxiety in ASD.
What factors should be corrected for when treating individuals with ASD?
- Language proficiency
- Concrete/literal interpretation of information
What medication types are effective for treating comorbid conditions in ASD?
- Anxiety: 65%
- Antidepressants: 32%
- Stimulants: 20%
- Neuroleptics: 16%
What should be prioritized when treating mental health conditions in individuals with ASD?
Focus on what is most functionally disabling and what disorder may be exacerbating others.
What are the effects of camouflaging in individuals with ASD?
What should be prioritized when treating a person with severe depression and suicidality?
Focus on suicidality or depression before anxiety or ADHD
Addressing safety concerns is paramount in treatment.
If a person has autism and anxiety that exacerbates harmful RBS, what should be targeted first?
Target the anxiety that exacerbates RBS
This approach prioritizes safety and quality of life.
What are the three different aspects of camouflaging in mental health?
- Masking: hiding autistic traits
- Compensation: behaviors to compensate for social difficulties
- Assimilation: fitting into uncomfortable social environments
Each aspect serves different social motivations.
How is masking correlated with gender identity?
Highly correlated with female gender identity
This indicates that camouflaging may be more prevalent among females.
What motivates social camouflaging (SC) behaviors?
Desire to fit in or protect oneself from perceived harm
This motivation is consistent across adolescents and adults.
What do SC behaviors typically look like?
Assimilation and recreating observed behaviors to fit in
This involves mimicking social roles or actions seen in others.
In what contexts are individuals more likely to engage in social camouflaging?
With less trusted individuals, not neurodiverse, in classroom settings, and professional environments
SC behaviors are less common in online interactions.
What are some consequences of social camouflaging?
- Less rewarding relationships and social connections
- Feelings of inauthenticity
- Identity confusion regarding ASD
- Higher correlation with mental health issues like depression and suicide risk
While SC may help achieve goals, it often leads to fatigue and burnout.
What is the relationship between social camouflaging and mental health?
Higher levels of fatigue and ASD burnout are associated with SC
This points to the emotional toll of maintaining a facade.
What is the primary focus when treating anxiety in individuals with autism?
Address anxiety that leads to harmful and disruptive behaviors
This approach enhances safety and quality of life.
