Cited by 412Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentChild Nutrition and Feeding Issues

Prevalence of Depressive Disorders in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

Hudson, Chloe C., Hall, Layla, Harkness, Kate L.·2019·Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology

Abstract

Substantial uncertainty exists about the prevalence of depressive disorders in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This meta-analysis quantitatively summarized studies that assessed the lifetime and current prevalence of unipolar depressive disorders in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. We also examined demographic, methodological, and study moderators. This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 7857 articles were identified through 5 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PYSCInfo, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses), forward searches, and backward searches. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. Sixty-six articles met inclusion criteria. Results indicated that the pooled lifetime and current prevalence was 14.4% (95% CI 10.3-19.8) and 12.3% (95% CI 9.7-15.5), respectively. Rates of depressive disorders were highest among studies that used a standardized interview to assess depressive disorders (lifetime = 28.5%, 95% CI 20.1-38.8; current = 15.3%, 95% CI 11.0-20.9) and required participants to report on their own depressive symptoms (lifetime = 48.6%, 95% CI 33.3-64.2; current = 25.9%, 95% CI 17.0-37.3). Rates were also higher in studies that included participants with higher intelligence. Lifetime, but not current, prevalence was positively associated with age and the proportion of the sample that was White. In conclusion, we found that the rates of depressive disorders are high among individuals with ASD. Compared to typically developing individuals, individuals with ASD are 4-times more likely to experience depression in their lifetime. These results suggest that individuals with ASD should be regularly screened and offered treatment for depression.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s10802-018-0402-1

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Authors
Hudson, C. C., Hall, L., & Harkness, K. L.
Affiliations
Queen's University (CA)
Corresponding author
Hudson, Chloe C.
Venue
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
Published
2018-03-01
Volume
47
Issue
1
Pages
165-175
ISSN
  • 0091-0627 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-2835
OpenAlex
W2792899115
Cited by
411
References
40
Citations by year
2026: 50 · 2025: 65 · 2024: 80 · 2023: 58 · 2022: 51 · 2021: 56 · 2020: 30 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 2
FWCI
3.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
Keywords
autism spectrum disorder, depressive disorders, depression prevalence, lifetime prevalence, current prevalence, major depressive disorder, children and adolescents, adults, intelligence, age differences, racial differences, depression screening
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Depressive Disorder, Humans, Comorbidity, Prevalence, Young Adult

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