Prevalence and profile of depressive mixed state in patients with autism spectrum disorder. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zamami, Yu; Shinzato, Hotaka; Kurihara, Kazuhiro; Koda, Munenaga; Nakamura, Akifumi; Kondo, Tsuyoshi
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 300(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders -- Major depressive episode -- Mixed depression -- Mixed features specifier -- Bipolarity; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.113932
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: The present study aimed to clarify prevalence and profile of depressive mixed state (DMX) in depressed individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Patients and methods: The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report Japanese version (QIDS-SR-J) and global assessment of functioning (GAF) were administered to 182 consecutive patients (36 ASD and 146 non-ASD subjects) with a major depressive episode (MDE). DMX was categorically diagnosed according to the criteria for mixed depression (MD) by Benazzi and mixed features (MF) specifier by DSM-5. Severity of DMX was assessed by the self-administered 12-item questionnaire for DMX (DMX-12). Clinical backgrounds and incidence/severity of DMX were compared between the ASD and non-ASD groups. Results: ASD patients showed higher prevalence of MD than non-ASD patients (36.1% versus 18.5%). Mood lability, distractibility, impulsivity, aggression, irritability, dysphoria and risk-taking behavior as mixed symptoms were more prevalent in ASD patients than those in non-ASD patients, together with higher scores of total DMX-12 and its disruptive emotion/behavior cluster. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant contribution of ASD to the disruptive emotion/behavior symptoms. Conclusion: Careful monitoring and management of potential DMX are warranted in depressed ASD individuals. Highlights: Depressed ASD patients are likely to present depressive mixed state. ASD is a risk factor for disruptive emotion/behavior symptoms. Careful monitoring and management are warranted in depressed ASD individuals.