The Relationship Between Asperger's and Depression

Asperger's syndrome and depression are known to be related conditions; we know that in general, people with Asperger's are more likely to also be diagnosed with other mental health conditions.

虽然从第五版中删除了Asperger综合征的诊断Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the term is still often used by people with the diagnosis.

因此，在本文中，为了简单起见，Asperger综合症的术语将被用于理解它是指诊断的high functioning autism spectrum disorders。

What Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome is the former name for a diagnosis that corresponds to high functioning autism. It's usually diagnosed when you are an older child, teen, or in early adulthood.

People with Asperger's also tend to become obsessed with a topic to the point that it is all they will talk about and focus on for long periods of time.

迹象和症状

While the symptoms of Asperger's tend to be less severe than for other Autism Spectrum Disorders, people with it struggle to make eye contact and don't know how to react in social situations.

They may miss social cues, appear awkward, not understand body language or expressions, and show few emotions.

当他们幸福时，他们可能不会微笑，可能不会嘲笑一个笑话。他们也可能在单调或听起来像机器人。

Those with Asperger's who become obsessed with a particular topic may talk about it at length without noticing that their conversation partner has lost interest.

例如,如果你有阿斯伯格综合症可能构成me obsessed with sports statistics or rock collecting and want to talk about those topics at length with other people, without thinking about give and take in the conversation.

People with Asperger's also tend to dislike change; for example, you might prefer to eat the same food every day.

阿斯伯格综合征的共同特征

Below is a list of some other common traits of people with Asperger's syndrome:

• lacking empathy or being unable to take the perspective of someone else
• 努力让目光接触和缺少非语言线索
• not reacting or empathizing with other people's stories or struggles
• 了解幽默的麻烦
• being awkward or clumsy
• having trouble making or keeping friendships
• 需要做似乎没有目的的例程
• having repetitive physical mannerisms such as hand waving
• 迷恋与字母或数字
• 当您遵循例行和仪式时，最佳功能
• sensitivity to bright light, loud noise, or certain textures
• higher than average intelligence and verbal skills (e.g., having a large vocabulary)
• experiencing emotional outbursts especially in response to changes in routines or shifting
• hyperfocusing(losing track of time) on things that interest you
• insisting on talking only about a single topic
• being told that you appear weird or awkward
• missing context cues (e.g., not lowering your voice in a library)
• not outwardly sharing in the happiness or distress of others when they share stories or news

Causes of Asperger's

我们知道阿斯伯格综合症,正如所有自闭症spectrum disorders, is the result of brain differences and has a genetic component. We also know that there are certain factors that increase the risk of having Asperger's such as being born to older parents, being exposed to the drug valproate in utero, and having a low birth weight.

有些人认为，阿斯伯格和自闭症谱系障碍是反映neurodiversityand not a disorder per se. In other words, there is value in seeing the world differently, and individuals with these brain differences also possess strengths that those with a "neurotypical" brain do not have.

How Do Asperger's and Depression Relate?

Now that we understand what is meant by Asperger's, we can consider how it relates to depression.

供参考，抑郁症剧集通常由以下两周的症状组成，在两周的时间内导致正常日常运作中的损伤：

• feeling sad or hopeless, guilty, or worthless
• 对你通常喜欢做的事情的兴趣
• noticing changes in your appetite (wanting to eat more or less)
• losing weight or gaining weight without explanation
• feeling like you can't concentrate or focus on anything
• having low energy or fatigue
• sleep disturbance (sleeping too much or too little)

虽然我们知道阿斯伯格和抑郁症往往会发生共同，但由于症状重叠，它可能很难诊断抑郁症的人。

For example, a person with Asperger's may have平坦的影响，意味着它们似乎悲伤或沮丧。然而，这种情感状态可能与内部的感觉不符;相反，他们可能真的感觉正常或者没有什么是错误的。问题是，他们的向外州与内部的感受与其感觉不符。

Primary Depression

Primary depression refers to depression that develops independently of another diagnosis. What this means is that a person with Asperger's becomes depressed not due to life stress related to autism symptoms, but rather because of direct factors that cause depression.

Secondary Depression

On the other hand, depression can also develop secondary to Asperger's syndrome. In this case, life experiences such as sensory overload or social rejection contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.

对芦荟和抑郁症的治疗

How are overlapping Asperger's disorder and depression treated? In general, there hasn't been much investigation into methods of treating depression among those 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.

社交技能培训

涉及建模适当行为的社交技能培训用于了解如何适应由于阿斯伯格因挣扎而挣扎的社交情况。

Speech-Language Therapy

Speech language therapy is used to help people with Asperger's practice modulating their voice (instead of using a monotone), as well as how to use hand gestures and make eye contact.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT.may be used to manage emotions, outburts, meltdowns, and repetitive behaviors among those with Asperger's. It can also be helpful to manage negative thought patterns that are part of depression.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA通常用于加强患有自闭症的积极行为，特别是症状更严重的儿童。

Medication

While there is no medication specifically for Asperger's or autism spectrum disorders, medication may be prescribed for depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Prozac). Some medications may also help reduce the repetitive behaviors that are characteristic of Asperger's.

Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy

职业治疗和/或物理治疗可用于改善电动机协调的问题，例如笨拙或尴尬。如果人们评论你坐在或走上尴尬的方式，这种疗法可能会有所帮助。

Coping with Asperger's and Depression

If you are struggling with both Asperger's and symptoms of depression, the best course of action is to receive treatment from a professional. However, if you are wanting to manage symptoms of depression on your own as well, doing things such as eating healthy food, getting regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness can help. These types of coping strategies can also be implemented during therapy to ensure that you are optimally supported.

A Word From Verywell

If you or someone you know is struggling with mood symptoms along with Asperger's syndrome, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated to determine whether you are living with clinical depression. Depression is a serious illness with potential complications that should not be ignored. While you may feel comfortable living with Asperger's, depression is a life-threatening disorder with effective treatment available to help you.