An evaluation of the effectiveness of psychological therapy in reducing general psychological distress for adults with autism spectrum conditions and comorbid mental health problems

ConclusionsOur preliminary findings suggest that psychological therapy may be effective in reducing general distress for clients with ASC and co‐morbid mental health conditions and should be routinely offered. Individuals who are diagnosed with ASD in adulthood are likely to require a longer course of therapy when their general distress scores are high.Key Practitioner Message
Co‐morbid mental health conditions are common in adults on the autism spectrum, but there is little evidence for what might be helpful in reducing rates of mental health conditions in this population.
This study demonstrates that adapted psychological therapy offered in a specialist adult ASC service was somewhat effective in reducing distress for adults with autism.
Individual characteristics and service factors did not influence the extent of change in general distress over the course of therapy; significant and comparable reductions in general distress from pre‐therapy to post‐therapy were seen across the sample.
Individuals who are diagnosed with ASD in adulthood are likely to require a longer course of therapy when their pre‐therapy general distress scores are high.
Adaptations that may need to be made to services and to therapy delivery are discussed.

Source: Clinical Psychology - May 1, 2017 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Sarah H. Blainey, Freya Rumball, Louise Mercer, Lauren Jayne Evans, Alison Beck Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research