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Suicidality in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Depressive Symptomatology, Alexithymia, and Antidepressants

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders volume 50, pages 3585–3597 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of suicidality. However, the risk factors remain under-investigated. This study explored factors that increase suicidality risk in ASD. Through an online survey, 150 adults with ASD were compared to 189 control adults. Autistic traits, depressive symptomatology, alexithymia, and antidepressant intake were assessed on their contribution predicting suicidality. Among people with ASD, 63% scored above the cutoff for high suicidality risk. Increased autistic traits, depressive symptomatology, and antidepressant intake significantly predicted suicidality. Furthermore, among those with high levels of autistic traits, the risk of suicidality was increased if they also had high levels of alexithymia. These results highlight the importance of considering depression, antidepressants, and alexithymia to prevent suicidality in ASD.

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  1. University of Luxembourg – Maison des Sciences Humaines, 11 Porte des Sciences, 4366, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

    Andreia P. Costa & Georges Steffgen

  2. Autisme Luxembourg a.S.B.L, 1, Jos Seyler Strooss, 8522, Beckerich, Luxembourg

    Cathia Loor

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  1. Andreia P. Costa
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All authors whose names appear on the submission, made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; drafted the work or revised it critically for important intellectual content; approved the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Costa, A.P., Loor, C. & Steffgen, G. Suicidality in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Depressive Symptomatology, Alexithymia, and Antidepressants. J Autism Dev Disord 50, 3585–3597 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04433-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04433-3

Keywords

  • Suicidality
  • Depression
  • Alexithymia
  • Antidepressants
  • ASD
  • Risk factors