Current options for the treatment of anxiety in adults with autism spectrum disorder - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #Pharmacotherapy
- #Anxiety Treatment
- #Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Anxiety affects 30-40% of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but diagnosis and treatment are underrepresented in literature.
- Tailored clinical approaches are needed to accommodate communication, cognitive, and sensory differences in adults with ASD.
- Self-reported tools like HADS-A, ASA-A, adapted GAD-7, and PHQ-9 improve diagnostic accuracy, except when caregiver input is necessary.
- Pharmacological treatments show mixed results: fluvoxamine and clomipramine show promise, while citalopram, propranolol, and intranasal oxytocin have limited efficacy.
- Effective anxiety treatment can improve quality of life, reduce functional impairment, and enhance health outcomes for adults with ASD.
- Equity in care is critical, requiring comprehensive education in neurodevelopmental disorders for researchers and clinicians.
- Further research is needed to validate tools and optimize treatment strategies for this underserved population.