It can affect social interactions and behaviors and has also been linked to depression.
While the conditions can co-occur, characteristics of Asperger’s can also resemble symptoms of depression.
This can potentially complicate diagnosis and treatment.
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What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is the former name for a diagnosis corresponding to high-functioning autism.
It’s usually diagnosed in older children, teens, or early adulthood.
However, this term is inaccurate and can lead tostigmaand misunderstandings about the challenges and expectations for autistic people.
Asperger’s (aka autism) is a form of neurodivergence.
If a person is neurodivergent, it means that their brain works differently than a neurotypical person’s brain.
No two people with ASD are the same.
Each person has their own challenges and strengths.
The key distinguishing characteristic of Asperger’s is difficulty with social interactions.
Such difficulties can affect how a person comprehends and interprets what others say.
It can also mean that a person has more difficulty expressing themselves.
It is important to note that it is seen as a spectrum.
Categorizing it in terms of “high” or “low” functioning is simplistic.
Asperger’s and autism spectrum disorders are forms of neurodivergence.
How Do Asperger’s and Depression Relate?
Now that we understand what is meant by Asperger’s, we can consider how it relates todepression.
The issue is that their outward state doesn’t match what they feel on the inside.
This is different from someone who withdraws due to feeling depressed.
Primary Depression
Primary depression refers to depression that develops independently of another diagnosis.
Secondary Depression
On the other hand, depression can also develop secondary to Asperger’s syndrome.
Treatment for Overlapping Asperger’s and Depression
How are overlapping Asperger’s disorder and depression treated?
In general, there hasn’t been much investigation into methods oftreating depressionamong people with Asperger’s specifically.
For that reason, we generally consider treatments individually for each condition.
Below are some of the treatments that you may be offered for each mental health issue.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBTcan help manage negative thought patterns that are part of depression.
CBT is focused on changing how people think.
This can be helpful for some people, such as people with depression.
It can be a problem, however, if it is not practiced in a way that is neurodiversity-affirming.
It can be harmful if the focus is on changing a person’s thoughts to be more neurotypical.
Working with a therapist with lived experience with autism or other forms of neurodivergence can be helpful.
Social Support
Social support is also important for people with Asperger’s and depression.
This can come from connecting with neurodivergent people who have shared experiences.
Depression is a serious illness with potential complications that should not be ignored.
Depression is a potentially life-threatening disorder with effective treatment available to help you.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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