Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of behavioral activation for treatment of depression in autistic adolescents.
Autism
; : 13623613241252470, 2024 May 19.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38764234
ABSTRACT
LAY ABSTRACT Depression is common among autistic youth and has a significant negative impact on quality of life and day-to-day functioning. Despite great need for efficacious treatments, there are currently limited research-supported interventions for depression symptoms in autistic young people. This study tested a novel, behavior-based approach or psychotherapy for treatment of depression symptoms in autistic adolescents without intellectual disability (i.e. Behavioral Activation for Autistic Adolescents, BA-A) with 15 youth (11-16 years old). BA-A is an individually delivered 12-session therapy that was developed for and to meet the needs of autistic youth with depression. Results found that autistic youth and their caregivers were able to participate in BA-A therapy sessions, and clinicians were able to deliver BA-A in accordance with the treatment manual. Notably, results demonstrated that autistic youth depression symptoms significantly improved after participating in BA-A. Furthermore, anxiety symptoms and social skills significantly improved following BA-A.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Autism
Journal subject:
PSICOLOGIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States