Roma A Vasa1, Micah O Mazurek. 1. aKennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland bDepartment of Health Psychology, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri, Columba, Missouri, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring psychiatric conditions in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article reviews recent evidence as well as earlier relevant studies regarding the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of anxiety in youth with ASD. RECENT FINDINGS: It is well established that the prevalence of anxiety in youth with an ASD is significantly greater than the prevalence of anxiety in the general population. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of informant, method, and instrument when measuring anxiety in this population. Despite the high prevalence, findings to date have been unable to identify any consistent risk factors for anxiety. New psychological treatments, including modified cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with high functioning ASD and co-occurring anxiety, are emerging. Pharmacological data, however, are scant. Existing studies show that youth with ASD are at increased risk for behavioral activation when taking SSRIs. SUMMARY: Clinicians working with youth with ASD are encouraged to routinely screen for anxiety. Until further data are available, clinical judgment is needed when prescribing treatments, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which require close monitoring of side-effects. Research on risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition is needed.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring psychiatric conditions in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article reviews recent evidence as well as earlier relevant studies regarding the characteristics, assessment, and treatment of anxiety in youth with ASD. RECENT FINDINGS: It is well established that the prevalence of anxiety in youth with an ASD is significantly greater than the prevalence of anxiety in the general population. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of informant, method, and instrument when measuring anxiety in this population. Despite the high prevalence, findings to date have been unable to identify any consistent risk factors for anxiety. New psychological treatments, including modified cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with high functioning ASD and co-occurring anxiety, are emerging. Pharmacological data, however, are scant. Existing studies show that youth with ASD are at increased risk for behavioral activation when taking SSRIs. SUMMARY: Clinicians working with youth with ASD are encouraged to routinely screen for anxiety. Until further data are available, clinical judgment is needed when prescribing treatments, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which require close monitoring of side-effects. Research on risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition is needed.
Authors: Denis G Sukhodolsky; Lawrence Scahill; Kenneth D Gadow; L Eugene Arnold; Michael G Aman; Christopher J McDougle; James T McCracken; Elaine Tierney; Susan Williams White; Luc Lecavalier; Benedetto Vitiello Journal: J Abnorm Child Psychol Date: 2007-08-03
Authors: A Ben-Sasson; S A Cermak; G I Orsmond; H Tager-Flusberg; M B Kadlec; A S Carter Journal: J Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2008-05-21 Impact factor: 8.982
Authors: Susan W White; Matthew D Lerner; Bryce D McLeod; Jeffrey J Wood; Golda S Ginsburg; Connor Kerns; Thomas Ollendick; Philip C Kendall; John Piacentini; John Walkup; Scott Compton Journal: Behav Ther Date: 2014-06-02
Authors: Paul D Chamberlain; Jacqui Rodgers; Michael J Crowley; Sarah E White; Mark H Freeston; Mikle South Journal: Mol Autism Date: 2013-09-04 Impact factor: 7.509
Authors: Mikle South; Katherine M Taylor; Tiffani Newton; Megan Christensen; Nathan K Jamison; Paul Chamberlain; Oliver Johnston; Michael J Crowley; J Dee Higley Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2017-12
Authors: R Enrique Varela; Randolph DuPont; Jodi L Kamps; Carl F Weems; Laura Niditch; Elliott A Beaton; Gabriella Pucci Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2020-03
Authors: Stephanie S Fredrick; Amanda B Nickerson; Lucia Sun; Jonathan D Rodgers; Marcus L Thomeer; Christopher Lopata; Fable Todd Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2022-06-09
Authors: Eric A Storch; Sophie C Schneider; Alessandro S De Nadai; Robert R Selles; Nicole M McBride; Stacey C Grebe; Katherine C Bergez; Ana Ramirez; Andres G Viana; Adam B Lewin Journal: Child Psychiatry Hum Dev Date: 2020-04