AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND DEPRESSION: TACKLING UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN MENTAL HEALTH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v5i5.425Keywords:
autism, borderline personality disorder, depression, treatment resistant depressionAbstract
The identification and management of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its associated psychiatric comorbidities pose significant clinical challenges. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted relationship between ASD and depression, suicidality, and borderline personality disorder (BPD), highlighting the intricate interplay between these mental health conditions. The unique complexities of diagnosing and managing comorbid depression and suicidality in individuals with ASD are discussed, including the heightened risks of non-suicidal self-injury and suicidality. Moreover, the review emphasizes the necessity of personalized, innovative treatment approaches, with a focus on the role of antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and the application of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in managing treatment-resistant depression. The complexities of co-occurring borderline personality disorder in individuals with ASD are also examined, further underscoring the need for comprehensive, individualized care strategies. This review advocates for multidimensional therapeutic approaches that consider the interplay of psychiatric comorbidities and neurodevelopmental factors, to optimize outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD. The findings stress the importance of early diagnosis, tailored interventions, and ongoing research into novel therapeutic modalities to better address the persistent and diverse nature of mental health challenges within the ASD population.
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