What is depression?

Psychiatry.org describes depression as a medical condition that can cause “feelings or sadness, and/or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.”

Autism is a risk factor for depression, especially in teens and adults. At this point in their lives, autistic teens have more social experiences. They can experience depression depending on a variety of triggers.

Managing autistic behaviours can hurt mental health. People with autism may face yet another challenge. People with autism need adequate support to cope with the emotional strain caused by autism.

Mental health and autism are linked by several factors. These factors can include:

• Bullying is a form of bullying
• The realization that he/she differs from peers
• Finding it difficult to make and maintain friendships
• You may find it difficult to complete academic tasks

Autism and depression symptoms

Autism can lead to depression. Autism is associated with mood disorders. Some symptoms of depression may overlap with those of autism. It’s therefore important to recognize the differences between depression and autism.

The first person to notice a change in a child’s behaviour is the parent or caregiver. You can misinterpret autism emotions, and dismiss depression as a possibility.

Autism can cause depression.

• Obsessive behavior
• Stimming
• Social Withdrawal
• Aggressive and Oppositional Behavior
• Self-Injury
• Sleep Disturbance
• Low self-esteem
• Sadness

Understanding the different types of depression is essential to fully-understanding symptoms. Some depressions have similar symptoms while others may have the opposite.

Why is ASD often associated with anxiety and depression?

According to research that was published in the Journal of Abnormal Childhood Psychology nearly half of all adults with autism experience depression. What causes depression in young adults who have autism?

There are many reasons why people suffer from depression and anxiety. Social skill difficulties are often what makes autism sufferers more likely to be affected by anxiety and depression. They may have difficulty making and maintaining friends. Other people may find their repetitive, unusual behaviours to be undesirable.

Different types of depression

Depression can take many forms. All people, including those with autism, can be classified into these categories.

There are six main types of depression:

Major depression

This type of depression, also known as major depressive disorder is experienced most days of every week. Signs and symptoms include:

• Loss of interest in activities that the person usually enjoys
• Weight gain or weight Loss
• Sleeping difficulties
• Feeling restless
• Feeling tired (mentally or physically)
• Feeling guilty
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty making decisions
• Suicide or self-harm thoughts

If symptoms persist for at least two weeks, it is considered major depression. Psychotherapy and antidepressants are used to treat it. In severe cases, electroconvulsive treatment may be required.

Persistent depressive disorder

This type of depression, also called dysthymia is milder and lasts longer. Persistent depressive disorder is not a life-threatening condition. They are not happy and have low energy levels.

The following symptoms are associated with persistent depression disorder:

• You’re not eating enough
• Overeating
• Too much or too little sleep
• Fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Feeling hopeless
• Problems concentrating
• Trouble making decisions

Psychotherapy or medication is used to treat this type of depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This type of depression occurs during the winter and fall when the days are shorter. SAD is said to affect moods because of the lack of light or lower levels of serotonin, melatonin and other chemicals in the body. SAD usually disappears when spring or summer arrives.

SAD can also be treated with psychotherapy and medication.

Autism and other mental illnesses

People on the spectrum may also suffer from other mental health problems. They include:

Anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is present in approximately 40 per cent of autism patients. The link between anxiety disorder and autism is not well understood. According to experts, an autistic individual’s vulnerability towards stress may be a major factor in developing anxiety disorders.

Anxiety symptoms include:

• Impatience
• Problem focusing
• Negative thoughts
• Sleeping disorders
• Obsession with a specific subject
• Never thirsty
• Tummy Aches
• Loose bowel movements
• Frequent urinating
• A sudden increase in heartbeat

There are many other ways to help those with autism spectrum disorders. Cognitive and behaviour therapy, for example, can gradually expose a person to their fears until they learn to control them despite the emotional trigger.

Parents can create a list of situations that are stressful and the steps their child should take to overcome them.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive behaviours. OCD is more prevalent in those with autism. OCD has two components: obsessions (thoughts), and compulsions.

OCD is often mistaken for autism due to its repetitive nature. A parent or caregiver must be able to tell the difference. If you can’t do this, it’s best to seek professional help.

Autism, depression and suicidal tendencies

A Study, published in Autism Research, shows that the suicide risk for autistic has increased in comparison to their neurotypical peers. The study found that 49 people with autism committed suicide in Utah between 1998 and 2017.

Another study by, Autistica.org found that autistic people who do not have a learning disorder are nine times more likely to commit suicide than their neurotypical counterparts. Children with autism are more than 28 times more likely to experience suicidal feelings or make a suicide attempt.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme emotions. Autistics and non-autistics are both prone to experiencing extremes of emotions. Bipolar disorder can be diagnosed in people with autism.

Manic episodes are characterized by:

• Over-the-top thinking
• Self-esteem
• Avoiding sleep on purpose
• Fast-paced tasks
• Pursuit of Pleasure
• Spending beyond budget
• Risks that are not calculated

Bipolar disorder patients can experience depression following a manic episode. This can be dangerous, as it may lead to self-destructive behaviours.

Bipolar disorder medication is different than that prescribed for other forms of depression. Studies show that antidepressants do not work well in treating bipolar disorder. They can even increase your risk of getting sick.

Three types of bipolar disorder medicines have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The three medicines approved by the FDA are:

• Seroquel
• Latuda
• Olanzapine-fluoxetine combination

When to seek professional assistance for self-harming behaviour, autism and depression

Asking a child or teen with autism if they are suicidal will tell you a lot. Autism can make it difficult for someone to communicate. It’s therefore important to look out for non-verbal signs.

There are other strategies to help an autistic individual on the brink of suicide:

• Be with the person, even if they refuse to speak.
• Inform others (friends and teachers) of the situation
• Listen carefully to their stories to identify the trigger
• Do not dismiss the person who tells you negative thoughts
• Remember to remind him/her that you are always available, and ready to listen and/or talk.
• Together, take a trip
• Teach her/him the number to call if he/she has suicidal feelings when you’re not around.

You should initiate the discussion if you believe your child is considering suicide but he/she does not want it to be discussed. Assure your child that he/she is loved and valued, and tell him/her to never give up.

In cases of severe self-harm by the child, an aggressive approach may be required. When you’ve exhausted all prevention methods, a crisis intervention may be needed.

Suicide intervention includes:

• Counselling
• Treatment by a Psychiatrist
• Move the person into a less stressful environment
• Hospitalization
• Medication
• Families and communities involved

Autism and depression treatment

Autism spectrum disorder is treated the same as depression in people without autism. This may not be the best method.

A study by a team of researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration found that antidepressants such as Prozac and Luvox should be used case-by-case for depression among autistics. This study did not find any evidence that these drugs are effective for treating depression in children.

Dr. Desmon Kplan, founder of Sheppard Pratt Hospital’s service department, believes that medication should not be the first treatment. “It is not enough to tell a parent that their child is depressed and we will give him Prozac,” Dr. Kaplan stated. Dr. Kaplan recommends that parents complete a full evaluation of their child’s social and medical history before deciding on any treatment.

There are questions about whether medication for depression can be used by autistic individuals. There is currently no research that supports the idea that antidepressant medications might affect people with autism differently.

Dr. Christopher McDougle reports that “to date, there hasn’t been a published systematic trial of antidepressant medications for the treatment of depression in people with autism.”

You can fight depression

You want to give your child the best treatment and care to help manage their depression. The first step to preventing depression in your child with autism is learning how to cope with their feelings.

When a child feels depressed, they feel worthless. This is not the case. You can assure your child that he/she will be loved by family and friends.

Communicate so that your child feels safe and secure. Here are a few ways to help your child feel supported.

• Active listening
• Meaningful eye contact
• Reply to what they say (“It seems like you are not feeling well today”)
• Asking for permission

Natural remedies for depression

Some autism healthcare providers do not recommend medications to treat depression in children with Autism. They believe that children with autism will benefit from activities and therapy that reduce depression and anxiety.

Art therapy is a form of creative arts therapy

Treatments of creative therapy include activities in which participants create art within a therapeutic environment. Each activity is guided by a professional.

The goals of therapy are:

• Give someone a safe place and time with someone who will not judge you
• Understand yourself and make sense of the world around you
• Find ways to cope with or resolve complex feelings
• You can use this tool to help you communicate and express your feelings, including experiences or emotions that are difficult for you to describe.

Keep a diary

Writing down your thoughts can ease anxiety in older children or adults with autism. They can reflect on what they have done by writing about it. This may help reduce their anxiety.

Cognitive-Based Therapy

Cognitive-based therapy is effective at treating anxiety and depression in children with Autism. CBT is an approach to training the brain to think positively. This reduces anxiety and depression.

Physical Activities

Exercise, sports and outdoor activities are all beneficial in managing anxiety and depression among autistic individuals. To release tension and reduce anxiety, vigorous movements are recommended.

Team sports can “force” your children to communicate with others and improve their social skills.

The conclusion of the article is:

Everyone, but especially children with autism, should be concerned about their mental health. Autistic children may not always express their feelings. Parents and caregivers must be alert and identify signs as soon they appear. Children with autism can overcome their mental health issues, one day at a time, if they have the proper support and strategies.