Sofia Zahid1, Rachel Upthegrove2,3. 1. 1 School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. 2. 2 Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. 3. 3 Forward Thinking Birmingham, Youth Mental Health Service, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is suggested that people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) may be at increased risk of suicide; however, research on this topic has been minimal and there are conflicting reports in existing studies. AIM: To bring together research investigating the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbid factors of suicidality in ASD. METHOD: A systematic search was performed of Medline, Psych Info, Embase, and the Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines. After exclusion criteria were applied, 70 full-text articles were screened. The final review contained 12 papers with a total sample size of 2,651. RESULTS: Prevalence of suicide attempts varied between 7% and 47%, while suicidal ideation was reported in up to 72% of cases. Being male and having a history of self-harm and depression were cited as significant risk factors. LIMITATIONS: Papers were cross sectional and contained a number of limitations. Only one paper used the gold standard for diagnosis of ASD and one a standardized measure of suicidal behavior. CONCLUSION: Suicidal attempts and ideation are increased in ASD; however, the extent of the increase and the risk factors identified within this group remain under-investigated. There is a lack of research on protective factors. The correlation between ASD and suicidality needs further examination with longitudinal research.
BACKGROUND: It is suggested that people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) may be at increased risk of suicide; however, research on this topic has been minimal and there are conflicting reports in existing studies. AIM: To bring together research investigating the prevalence, risk factors, and comorbid factors of suicidality in ASD. METHOD: A systematic search was performed of Medline, Psych Info, Embase, and the Web of Science following PRISMA guidelines. After exclusion criteria were applied, 70 full-text articles were screened. The final review contained 12 papers with a total sample size of 2,651. RESULTS: Prevalence of suicide attempts varied between 7% and 47%, while suicidal ideation was reported in up to 72% of cases. Being male and having a history of self-harm and depression were cited as significant risk factors. LIMITATIONS: Papers were cross sectional and contained a number of limitations. Only one paper used the gold standard for diagnosis of ASD and one a standardized measure of suicidal behavior. CONCLUSION: Suicidal attempts and ideation are increased in ASD; however, the extent of the increase and the risk factors identified within this group remain under-investigated. There is a lack of research on protective factors. The correlation between ASD and suicidality needs further examination with longitudinal research.
Authors: Emily DiBlasi; Anne V Kirby; Eoin Gaj; Anna R Docherty; Brooks R Keeshin; Amanda V Bakian; Hilary Coon Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2020-10
Authors: Anne V Kirby; Amanda V Bakian; Yue Zhang; Deborah A Bilder; Brooks R Keeshin; Hilary Coon Journal: Autism Res Date: 2019-01-21 Impact factor: 5.216