[Autism and depression: clinical presentation, evaluation and treatment].

This review looks at depression in autistic people. It finds that depression is often missed in autistic individuals and is linked to higher risks of self-harm and suicide. The authors say depression in autism has special features that make it harder to spot and treat effectively. Current treatment approaches don't work as well for autistic people with depression.

This 2023 review examines the intersection of autism and depression, highlighting significant clinical challenges in detection and treatment. The authors note that depression in autistic individuals is frequently under-detected and associated with increased suicidal ideation, self-harm, and suicide risk. The review synthesizes limited available evidence regarding epidemiology, risk factors, evaluation instruments, and treatment approaches for co-occurring autism and depression. Key conclusions emphasize that depression in autism presents with distinct characteristics, including under-detection, inadequate treatment, poor treatment response, and worse clinical outcomes compared to depression in neurotypical populations.

Clinicians should implement enhanced screening for depression in autistic clients, given high under-detection rates. Assessment tools and treatment approaches may need modification for autism populations. Increased vigilance for suicide risk is warranted. Treatment expectations should account for potentially poorer response rates in this population.

Abstract provides limited detail about methodology, search strategy, or quality assessment of included studies. No sample size or specific evidence sources are reported. The characterization of evidence as 'few available' suggests limited research base for recommendations.

the social and communication development and present a restricted and stereotyped pattern of interests and conduct. The depression associated to autism present infra detection and is associated to an increase of suicidal ideation, self-harming and suicide. Objective: to analyze the characteristics of autism and depression when coexist and based on the few available evidence, to make recommendations on evaluation and treatment. The existing evidence of autism associated with depression, its epidemiology, risk factors, evaluation instruments and treatment is presented.

Conclusions: The autism associated to depression presents own characteristics, related to infra detection, infra treatment, worse response to treatment and evolution.