New Study Unearths Link Between PTSD in Adults with Autism
Researchers at the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre discover a link between PTSD in Adults with Autism
Research has shown that ASD affects between 1-1.5% of the general population but it may be present in as many as 20% of psychiatric outpatients. PTSD, however, is thought to affect approximately 4% of the general population and 14-20% of psychiatric outpatients at some time in their lives.
A potential link between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been found by researchers at the Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg. This link underscores the value of identifying traumatic experiences and PTSD symptoms in individuals with autism within psychiatric settings. The outcomes of this study indicate that individuals who have autism may be more susceptible to PTSD, stressing the necessity for not only greater awareness but also further research into tailored intervention and treatment methods for PTSD in individuals with autism.
The overarching aim of this study was to explore the relationship between ASD and PTSD. A total of 90 adult psychiatric outpatients took part in the study, of whom 63 of the 90 individuals were diagnosed with ASD or exhibited subthreshold ASD symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria. All participants were recruited from the Psychiatric Assessment Unit (PAU), in Helsingborg, South Sweden. PTSD was diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I), whilst ASD was diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria.
Comparing PTSD rates between individuals with and without ASD, a clear trend emerged: 21% of participants with ASD had current PTSD, compared to only 4% of those without ASD. This trend was not statistically significant, possibly because of the small sample size. Interestingly, trauma exposure rates were comparable between the two groups, suggesting that although individuals with ASD encounter trauma at similar levels to others, they may be more prone to developing PTSD.
The study, recently published in the scientific Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, also discovered a possible relationship between autism symptoms and hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, such as heightened anxiety and sensitivity. Moreover, the PTSD symptoms of irritability and anger outbursts were found to be significantly associated with the degree of autism symptoms. These findings indicate that PTSD may manifest differently in individuals with ASD, with heightened hyperarousal and irritability being more prominent symptoms.
Authors of this research study emphasise that recognising PTSD in adults with ASD is crucial for providing fitting psychiatric care. Symptoms of PTSD may overlap or be misunderstood in the context of autism, this making it hard for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and treat both conditions, resulting in delays in intervention and lengthening distress for individuals affected by both disorders.
"Recognising PTSD in people with autism is fundamental to ensuring they receive the appropriate psychiatric care," one of the study's researchers, psychologist Johan Agebjörn explained. "Our research points to certain PTSD symptoms possibly being more prevalent or pronounced in those with ASD, highlighting the need for further research into how PTSD manifests and how PTSD is best treated in people with autism”.
The study without doubt provides invaluable insights into the relationship between autism and PTSD, paving the way for a deeper investigation into how precisely these two conditions interact. "As awareness of autism in psychiatric settings grows, our goal is for psychiatric professionals to become better equipped to recognise and treat PTSD as well as other psychiatric disorders in individuals with autism. This will ensure they receive the necessary care they require," says Dr Johan Nyrenius.
Full reference:
Agebjörn J, Gillberg C, Eberhard J, Billstedt E, Nyrenius J. Association Between Autism and PTSD Among Adult Psychiatric Outpatients. J Autism Dev Disord. 2024 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s10803-024-06439-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38916696.
TEXT AV: ANNA SPYROU
Johan Agebjörn: Adult Psychiatry Helsingborg and Arlöv, Region Skåne, Sweden
Johan Nyrenius: GNC; Department of Clinical Sciences Lund and Department of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund University, Sweden; Adult Psychiatry Helsingborg, Sweden.
Jonas Eberhard: Department of Clinical Sciences Lund and Department of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund University, Sweden; Adult Psychiatry Helsingborg, Sweden.
Christopher Gillberg: Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Eva Billstedt: Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
