Saudi Expert Consensus-Based Autism Spectrum Disorder Statement: From Screening to Management.

BACKGROUND: There is a large gap between the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the currently available services in Saudi Arabia. Services are often difficult to access, inconsistent in quality, incomplete, unsatisfactory, and costly. As such, there is a national need for expert consensus on the appropriate standards for the assessment and management of children on the autism spectrum. METHODOLOGY: A guideline development group (GDC) was formed by professionals representing all related specialties and institutions involved in the management of individuals on the autism spectrum in Saudi Arabia. They met on a regular basis over 21 months. The guideline development process consisted of five steps starting from reviewing existing guidelines and ending with discussing and writing this manuscript. A formal voting process was utilized and recommendations were discussed until a consensus was reached. RESULTS: There was consensus on the following: A specialized diagnostic assessment needs to be carried out by an experienced multidisciplinary team for children referred to assess for ASD. They should be assessed for medical etiology, their behavioral history carefully reviewed, and symptoms directly observed. Longitudinal assessments are encouraged to reflect the effects of symptoms on the individual's ability to function while with their family, among peers, and in school settings. An additional formal assessment of language, cognitive, and adaptive abilities as well as sensory status is essential to complete the diagnostic process. Interventions should be individualized, developmentally appropriate, and intensive, with performance data relevant to intervention goals to evaluate and adjust interventions. Target symptoms must be identified to address and develop monitoring systems to track change. CONCLUSION: ASD is a complex condition with widely varying clinical manifestations, thus requiring evaluation and intervention by a range of professionals working in coordination. Behavioral and environmental interventions are the key to optimal outcomes, in conjunction with medications when indicated for specific symptoms. Parental involvement in interventions is vital to sustaining therapeutic gains.

Hormonal Contraception Use and Depression Among Women in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of depression amongst hormonal and non-hormonal contraception users, and the risk factors associated with depression in the sample. Patients and Methods: This is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October to November 2021, covering all regions of Saudi Arabia. All participants were women, living in Saudi Arabia, ≥21 years old and ≤45 years old, using a contraceptive method, and with no established history of depression. Results: A total of 4853 out of 18,596 met our criteria and were included in this study. Among all sample groups, 29% had moderate to severe depression. Rates of depression and association studies' results in women using hormonal were higher than those who use non-hormonal birth control methods. Psychiatric disorders, medical illnesses, substance use and depressogenic medication use were all associated with depression in both hormonal and non-hormonal contraception users. Conclusion: The current study shows high prevalence of depression amongst hormonal contraceptive users compared to non-hormonal contraceptive users.

Preference, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Parents Toward Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Their Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents has shown efficacy in treating different psychiatric disorders. It has been added to multiple clinical guidelines as the first-line treatment. However, despite more studies of its efficacy, CBT is underutilized in clinical settings due to a lack of rigorous training programs and qualified CBT therapists. The limited knowledge of parents in this intervention and their negative attitudes toward it have been considered as possible reasons. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey-based study among 464 Saudi parents living in Riyadh city. We aimed to evaluate the preference, knowledge, and attitudes of Saudi parents toward CBT for their children. We compared the difference in the level of knowledge and attitudes toward CBT in relation to the characteristics of parents. An online questionnaire that included 39 questions was carefully reconstructed from four validated scales, approved by an expert panel, and piloted. Participants were recruited to participate through online social media. Results: Saudi parents had average knowledge about CBT; however, they had positive attitudes toward the therapy itself and its role in treating the behavioral issues of children. Male participants showed better knowledge than female participants. Participants with higher education and those with high income had more favorable attitudes toward CBT than others. Conclusion: The knowledge of parents is considered inadequate and indicated the need for more awareness and perhaps mass education. In contrast, they maintained positive attitudes and were interested in evidence-based treatment, with more preference toward non-psychopharmacological interventions.