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van Bentum J, Sijbrandij M, Huibers M, Begeer S. Occurrence and predictors of lifetime suicidality and suicidal ideation in autistic adults. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2282-2294. [PMID: 38340029 PMCID: PMC11408986 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231225901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Over the past few years, more and more research is showing that many autistic people are at an increased risk for suicide. In this study, we asked participants from the Netherlands Autism Register, which is longitudinal register including individuals with autism, about their possible experiences with thoughts and feelings about suicide. Specifically, we looked at whether these thoughts and feelings in their lifetime and in the past month were related to various factors (such as their age, gender, and having psychiatric disorder diagnoses). We found that 80% of the participants had experienced thoughts about or even attempted to take their own life at least once throughout their lifetime. Furthermore, in a subgroup of participants, we found that the presence of a psychiatric disorder diagnosis, feelings of loneliness, and a higher number of autistic traits were associated with experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings in their lifetime. For those who experienced these suicidal thoughts in the past month, we found that having (multiple) psychiatric disorder diagnoses and a higher number of autistic traits were related to more severe and frequent thoughts about suicide in the past month. Our findings show that additional factors in autistic individuals should be considered when assessing the suicide risk, and it brings us one step closer to understanding why suicide is more common for autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- J van Bentum
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - S Begeer
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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赵 亚, 范 慧, 王 翔, 罗 雅, 张 嵘, 郑 晓. [Early death and causes of death of patients with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2023; 55:375-383. [PMID: 37042154 PMCID: PMC10091241 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2023.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
To study of premature/early death of autistic patients from the perspective of life course can help families, medical institutions and policy makers better deal with the adverse effects of autism. Several studies have shown that autistic patients have a high risk of death, however, the results are still inconsistent. To assess the risk of mortality among the autistic patients, we undertook a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. This paper reviewed the studies on the negative disease outcomes of autism spectrum disorders, including the risk of death, causes of death and several research hotspots in this field. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were used. Information was extracted from selected papers, tabulated and synthesized. In the study, 15 studies were included, with a total of 216 045 individuals. The main outcome was all-cause mortality in association with autism and the secondary outcome was cause-specific mortality. The results showed that all-cause mortality was higher for the autistic patients (RR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.98-2.72, I2=87.1%, P < 0.001). Risk ratio showed a greater inequality for female than male (male: RR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.57-2.55, I2=93.2%, P < 0.001; female: RR=4.66, 95%CI: 3.30-6.58, I2=92.0%, P < 0.001). Compared with the unnatural death, the risk of natural death was higher (RR=3.44, 95%CI: 1.27-9.26, I2=80.2%, P=0.025). As autism had many comorbidities, which would bring more health risks and natural deaths possibilities. There were some structural differences in unnatural death. Accidental injury death and suicide were two kinds of causes. Lacking social skills would weaken the ability to ask for help when encountering injuries. This paper put forward some suggestions for futures. First, to well study the comorbidity can reduce the risk of death from a medical point of view. Second, the scientists and policymakers should pay attention to the social environment and provide a safer environment for the autistic patients. Third, for women and for adolescents without cognitive impairment, due to their high risk of suicide, the society should provide them with more supportive social networks and improve their life satisfaction. Fourth, it is necessary to balance the rehabilitation resources in various regions in China and provide more high-quality lifelong rehabilitation monitoring and care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- 亚楠 赵
- 中国医学科学院, 北京协和医学院群医学与公共卫生学院, 北京 100730School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- 北京大学中国卫生发展研究中心, 北京 100191China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- 北京大学亚太经合组织健康科学研究院, 北京 100871Peking University Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Health Sciences Academy, Beijing 100871, China
| | - 慧芸 范
- 北京大学亚太经合组织健康科学研究院, 北京 100871Peking University Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Health Sciences Academy, Beijing 100871, China
- 北京大学人口研究所, 北京 100871Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - 翔宇 王
- 北京大学亚太经合组织健康科学研究院, 北京 100871Peking University Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Health Sciences Academy, Beijing 100871, China
- 北京大学人口研究所, 北京 100871Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - 雅楠 罗
- 北京大学亚太经合组织健康科学研究院, 北京 100871Peking University Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Health Sciences Academy, Beijing 100871, China
- 北京大学公共卫生学院全球卫生学系, 北京 100191Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 嵘 张
- 北京大学神经科学研究所, 北京大学基础医学院神经生物学系, 神经科学教育部重点实验室, 卫生部神经科学重点实验室, 北京 100191Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University; Department of Neurobiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences; Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education; Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of National Health Commission; Beijing 100191, China
- 北京大学医学部孤独症研究中心, 北京 100191Autism Research Centre, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 晓瑛 郑
- 中国医学科学院, 北京协和医学院群医学与公共卫生学院, 北京 100730School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- 北京大学亚太经合组织健康科学研究院, 北京 100871Peking University Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Health Sciences Academy, Beijing 100871, China
- 北京大学医学部孤独症研究中心, 北京 100191Autism Research Centre, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing 100191, China
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The Autism Spectrum: Behavioral, Psychiatric and Genetic Associations. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030677. [PMID: 36980949 PMCID: PMC10048473 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of heterogeneous genetic neurobehavioral disorders associated with developmental impairments in social communication skills and stereotypic, rigid or repetitive behaviors. We review common behavioral, psychiatric and genetic associations related to ASD. Autism affects about 2% of children with 4:1 male-to-female ratio and a heritability estimate between 70 and 90%. The etiology of ASD involves a complex interplay between inheritance and environmental factors influenced by epigenetics. Over 800 genes and dozens of genetic syndromes are associated with ASD. Novel gene–protein interactions with pathway and molecular function analyses have identified at least three functional pathways including chromatin modeling, Wnt, Notch and other signaling pathways and metabolic disturbances involving neuronal growth and dendritic spine profiles. An estimated 50% of individuals with ASD are diagnosed with chromosome deletions or duplications (e.g., 15q11.2, BP1-BP2, 16p11.2 and 15q13.3), identified syndromes (e.g., Williams, Phelan-McDermid and Shprintzen velocardiofacial) or single gene disorders. Behavioral and psychiatric conditions in autism impacted by genetics influence clinical evaluations, counseling, diagnoses, therapeutic interventions and treatment approaches. Pharmacogenetics testing is now possible to help guide the selection of psychotropic medications to treat challenging behaviors or co-occurring psychiatric conditions commonly seen in ASD. In this review of the autism spectrum disorder, behavioral, psychiatric and genetic observations and associations relevant to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with ASD are discussed.
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Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Unique Contribution of Externalizing Behaviors. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022; 53:223-236. [PMID: 33462740 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated risk of suicidal ideation, particularly those with comorbid anxiety disorders and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We investigated the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in 166 children with ASD and comorbid anxiety disorders/OCD, and the unique contribution of externalizing behaviors. Suicidal ideation was reported in the child sample by 13% of parents. Controlling for child age, sex, and IQ, perceived loneliness positively predicted the likelihood of suicidal ideation. In addition, externalizing behaviors positively predicted suicidal ideation, controlling for all other factors. Reliance on parental report to detect suicidal ideation in youth with ASD is a limitation of this study. Nonetheless, these findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing suicidal ideation in children with ASD and comorbid anxiety disorders/OCD, and more importantly in those with elevated externalizing behaviors and perceptions of loneliness.
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Masi G, Scullin S, Narzisi A, Muratori P, Paciello M, Fabiani D, Lenzi F, Mucci M, D’Acunto G. Suicidal Ideation and Suicidal Attempts in Referred Adolescents with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder and Comorbid Bipolar Disorder: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100750. [PMID: 33080887 PMCID: PMC7603180 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescents are closely associated to bipolar disorders (BD). Growing evidence also suggests that high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Although BD and HF-ASD are frequently comorbid, no studies explored suicidality in these individuals. This exploratory study addressed this issue in a clinical group of inpatient adolescents referred to a psychiatric emergency unit. Seventeen adolescents with BD and HF-ASD and severe suicidal ideation or attempts (BD-ASD-S), were compared to 17 adolescents with BD and HF-ASD without suicidal ideation or attempts (BD-ASD-noS), and to 18 adolescents with BD and suicidal ideation or attempts without ASD (BD-noASD-S), using a structured assessment methodology. Individuals with BD-ASD-S had a higher intelligence quotient, more severe clinical impairment, more lethality in suicide attempts, more internalizing symptoms, less impulsiveness, and lower social competence. Severity of ASD traits in individuals and parents did not correlate with suicidal risk. Some dimensions of resilience were protective in terms of repulsion by life and attraction to death. Main limitations are the small sample size, the lack of a control group of typically developing adolescents. However, a better understanding of the specificities of bipolar HF-ASD individuals with suicidality may improve prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Scullin
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Pietro Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Marinella Paciello
- Faculty of Psychology, Università Telematica Internazionale Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Deborah Fabiani
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Francesca Lenzi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Mucci
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
| | - Giulia D’Acunto
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (S.S.); (A.N.); (P.M.); (D.F.); (F.L.); (M.M.); (G.D.)
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Young S, Hollingdale J, Absoud M, Bolton P, Branney P, Colley W, Craze E, Dave M, Deeley Q, Farrag E, Gudjonsson G, Hill P, Liang HL, Murphy C, Mackintosh P, Murin M, O'Regan F, Ougrin D, Rios P, Stover N, Taylor E, Woodhouse E. Guidance for identification and treatment of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder based upon expert consensus. BMC Med 2020; 18:146. [PMID: 32448170 PMCID: PMC7247165 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with co-occurring hyperactivity disorder/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have complex presentations that may complicate diagnosis and treatment. There are established guidelines with regard to the identification and treatment of ADHD and ASD as independent conditions. However, ADHD and ASD were not formally recognised diagnostically as co-occurring conditions until the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) was published in 2013. Hence, awareness and understanding of both conditions when they co-occur is less established and there is little guidance in the clinical literature. This has led to uncertainty among healthcare practitioners when working with children, young people and adults who present with co-existing ADHD and ASD. The United Kingdom ADHD Partnership (UKAP) therefore convened a meeting of professional experts that aimed to address this gap and reach expert consensus on the topic that will aid healthcare practitioners and allied professionals when working with this complex and vulnerable population. METHOD UK experts from multiple disciplines in the fields of ADHD and ASD convened in London in December 2017. The meeting provided the opportunity to address the complexities of ADHD and ASD as a co-occurring presentation from different perspectives and included presentations, discussion and group work. The authors considered the clinical challenges of working with this complex group of individuals, producing a consensus for a unified approach when working with male and female, children, adolescents and adults with co-occurring ADHD and ASD. This was written up, circulated and endorsed by all authors. RESULTS The authors reached a consensus of practical recommendations for working across the lifespan with males and females with ADHD and ASD. Consensus was reached on topics of (1) identification and assessment using rating scales, clinical diagnostic interviews and objective supporting assessments; outcomes of assessment, including standards of clinical reporting; (2) non-pharmacological interventions and care management, including psychoeducation, carer interventions/carer training, behavioural/environmental and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches; and multi-agency liaison, including educational interventions, career advice, occupational skills and training, and (3) pharmacological treatments. CONCLUSIONS The guidance and practice recommendations (Tables 1, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10) will support healthcare practitioners and allied professionals to meet the needs of this complex group from a multidisciplinary perspective. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals presenting with comorbid ADHD and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jack Hollingdale
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Service for Complex Autism and Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders, London, UK
| | - Michael Absoud
- Department of Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College, London, UK
| | - Patrick Bolton
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Service for Complex Autism and Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders, London, UK
| | | | | | - Emily Craze
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, National Autism Unit, Kent, UK
| | - Mayuri Dave
- Positive Behaviour, Learning Disability, Autism and Mental Health Service (PALMS) Hertfordshire Communication Disorders Clinics, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, St Albans, UK
| | - Quinton Deeley
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, National Autism Unit, Kent, UK
| | - Emad Farrag
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Gisli Gudjonsson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Clodagh Murphy
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism and ADHD Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peri Mackintosh
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, National Autism Unit, Kent, UK
| | | | | | - Dennis Ougrin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Patricia Rios
- Diagnostic Assessments and Treatment Services (DATS), Hertfordshire, UK
| | | | - Eric Taylor
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emma Woodhouse
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Weiner L, Flin A, Causin JB, Weibel S, Bertschy G. A case study of suicidality presenting as a restricted interest in autism Spectrum disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:126. [PMID: 31029170 PMCID: PMC6487006 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidality has been under-researched in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Most studies have linked increased suicidality in ASD to psychiatric comorbidities such as depression. Here we investigated, from a neuropsychological and clinical standpoint, the relationship between core ASD symptoms, i.e., restricted behaviors and social and communication impairments, and the suicidal behaviors in an adult male individual with ASD, with no psychiatric comorbidities. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 21-year-old male with ASD who attempted suicide twice, in the absence of other psychiatric diagnoses. His behavior and communication skills were rigid. His suicidality was characterized by a rigid, detailed, and pervasive thinking pattern, akin to restricted interests. Consistently, from a neuropsychological standpoint, we found below-average planning and attention skills, and mind-reading skills were rigid and lacked spontaneity. CONCLUSIONS Our case-study suggests that specific clinical and neuropsychological dimensions might be related to suicidal behaviors in ASD. Clinically, the repetitive and rigid suicide-oriented thinking of our patient was not part of a depressive episode. Instead, it followed a purely logical, inflexible, and pervasive reasoning pattern focused on a topic that fascinated him - i.e., suicide --, akin to restricted behaviors. From a neuropsychological standpoint, restrictive suicide-oriented thinking in our patient seems to be related to attention and executive anomalies that have been linked to repetitive and restricted behaviors in ASD. New tools need to be developed to assess persistent suicidal thoughts in this population, as they might be related to intrinsic features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Weiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry, 1 place de l’hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Amandine Flin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry, 1 place de l’hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Causin
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry, 1 place de l’hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sébastien Weibel
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry, 1 place de l’hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gilles Bertschy
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry, 1 place de l’hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Kirby AV, Bakian AV, Zhang Y, Bilder DA, Keeshin BR, Coon H. A 20-year study of suicide death in a statewide autism population. Autism Res 2019; 12:658-666. [PMID: 30663277 PMCID: PMC6457664 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Scientific Summary Growing concern about suicide risk among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) necessitates population‐based research to determine rates in representative samples and to inform appropriate prevention efforts. This study used existing surveillance data in Utah to determine incidence of suicide among individuals with ASD over a 20‐year period, and to characterize those who died. Between 1998 and 2017, 49 individuals with ASD died by suicide. Suicide cumulative incidence rates did not significantly differ between 1998 and 2012 across the ASD and non‐ASD populations. Between 2013 and 2017, the cumulative incidence of suicide in the ASD population was 0.17%, which was significantly higher than in the non‐ASD population (0.11%; P < 0.05). During this period, this difference was driven by suicide among females with ASD; suicide risk in females with ASD was over three times higher than in females without ASD (relative risk (RR): 3.42; P < 0.01). Among the individuals with ASD who died by suicide, average age at death and manner of death did not differ significantly between males and females. Ages at death by suicide ranged from 14 to 70 years (M[SD] = 32.41[15.98]). Individuals with ASD were significantly less likely to use firearms as a method of suicide (adjusted odds ratio: 0.33; P < 0.001). Study results expand understanding of suicide risk in ASD and point to the need for additional population‐based research into suicide attempts and ideation, as well as exploration of additional risk factors. Findings also suggest a need for further study of female suicide risk in ASD. Autism Research 2019, 12: 658–666. © 2019 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary This study examined suicide risk among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Utah over a 20‐year period. Risk of suicide death in individuals with ASD was found to have increased over time and to be greater than in individuals without ASD between 2013 and 2017. Females with ASD were over three times as likely to die from suicide as females without ASD. Young people with ASD were at over twice the risk of suicide than young people without ASD. Individuals with ASD were less likely than others to die from firearm‐related suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne V Kirby
- Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Amanda V Bakian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.,Study Design and Biostatistics Center, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Deborah A Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Brooks R Keeshin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.,Center for Safe and Healthy Families, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Cheung AS, Ooi O, Leemaqz S, Cundill P, Silberstein N, Bretherton I, Thrower E, Locke P, Grossmann M, Zajac JD. Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Transgender Adults in Australia. Transgend Health 2018; 3:229-238. [PMID: 30596151 PMCID: PMC6308273 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2018.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Over the last 10 years, increases in demand for transgender health care has occurred worldwide. There are few data on clinical characteristics of Australian adult transgender individuals. Understanding gender identity patterns, sociodemographic characteristics, gender-affirming treatments, as well as medical and psychiatric morbidities, including neurobehavioral conditions affecting transgender and gender-diverse adults will help to inform optimal health service provision. Purpose: In an Australian adult transgender cohort, we aimed to first, assess referral numbers and describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and second, to specifically assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: We performed a retrospective audit of deidentified electronic medical records in a primary care and a secondary care gender clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Annual referral rates, sociodemographic data, and prevalence of medical and psychiatric conditions were obtained. Results: Data for 540 transgender individuals were available. Rapid rises were observed in referrals for transgender health services, more than 10 times the number in 2016 compared with 2011. Median age at initial presentation was 27 years (interquartile range (22, 36), range 16–74). Around 21.3% were unemployed and 23.8% had experienced homelessness despite high levels of education. Around 44.1% identified as trans male, 36.3% as trans female, and 18.3% as gender nonbinary. Medical morbidities were rare but mental illness was very common. The prevalence of depression was 55.7%, anxiety in 40.4%, ADHD in 4.3%, and ASD in 4.8%, all higher than reported age-matched general Australian population prevalence. Conclusions: Rising demand for transgender care, socioeconomic disadvantage, and high burden of mental health conditions warrants a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to provide optimal care for transgender individuals. Given that ASD and ADHD are prevalent, in addition to gender-affirming treatments, psychosocial interventions may assist individuals in navigating health care needs and to support social aspects of gender transition. Further studies are required to understand links between ASD, ADHD, and gender identity and to evaluate optimal models of health service provision for transgender individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada S Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Olivia Ooi
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Shalem Leemaqz
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | - Ingrid Bretherton
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Emily Thrower
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Peter Locke
- Equinox Clinic, Thorne Harbour Health, Fitzroy, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
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10
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Müller RA, Reiter MA. Brain changes in adolescence-it is about time to get serious in autism spectrum disorder research. Autism Res 2018; 12. [PMID: 30556369 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph-Axel Müller
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
| | - Maya A Reiter
- Brain Development Imaging Laboratories, San Diego State University, San Diego, California
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