ERIC Number: EJ1360720
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jan
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Benefits and Harms of Interventions to Improve Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Outcomes for Autistic People: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Linden, Audrey; Best, Lawrence; Elise, Freya; Roberts, Danielle; Branagan, Aoife; Tay, Yong Boon Ernest; Crane, Laura; Cusack, James; Davidson, Brian; Davidson, Ian; Hearst, Caroline; Mandy, William; Rai, Dheeraj; Smith, Edward; Gurusamy, Kurinchi
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v27 n1 p7-30 Jan 2023
Mental health difficulties are prevalent in autistic people with [approximately]14%-50% having experienced depression and [approximately]40%-80% having experienced anxiety disorders. Identifying interventions that improve autistic people's mental health is a top priority. However, at present, there is no high-quality network meta-analysis of benefits and harms of different interventions. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, other databases, and trial registers until 17 October 2020. We included randomised controlled trials reporting anxiety or depression in a suitable format. We calculated effect estimates and 95% credible intervals using Bayesian network meta-analysis. Our search identified 13,794 reports, of which 71 randomised controlled trials (3630 participants) were eligible for inclusion. All trials had high risk of bias. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 24 months. Evidence indicates uncertainty about the effects of different interventions, with more high-quality evidence needed. Available evidence suggests that some forms of cognitive behavioural therapy may decrease anxiety and depression scores in autistic children and adults; mindfulness therapy may decrease anxiety and depression scores in autistic adults with previous mental health conditions; and behavioural interventions may provide some benefit for depression in autistic children. We recommend that autistic people are given access to mental health interventions available to non-autistic people, following principles of person-centred care.
Descriptors: Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Literature Reviews, Cognitive Restructuring, Behavior Modification, Psychotherapy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A