The Relationship Between Asperger's and Depression

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?Common CharacteristicsWhat Causes Asperger’s?Asperger’s and DepressionTreatmentHow to Cope

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is It?

Common Characteristics

What Causes Asperger’s?

Asperger’s and Depression

Treatment

How to Cope

Close

Asperger’s is a term that was previously used to describe one expression of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or ASD are likely to be diagnosed with other mental health conditions.Research has found a connection specifically between Asperger’s and depression.

It should be noted that the diagnosis of Asperger’s was removed from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is now diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder instead.

Since this term is still used regularly, for simplicity’s sake, the term Asperger’s will be used in this article.

At a GlanceAsperger’s syndrome was a diagnostic label for what is now simply known as autism spectrum disorder. 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.

At a Glance

Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnostic label for what is now simply known as autism spectrum disorder. 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.

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.

“High-functioning autism” is a colloquial term sometimes used to describe autistic people who may not need as much support in their daily lives. 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. Rather than thinking about these differences in terms of “high” or “low” functioning, it is important to focus on how neurotypical expectations may affect a person’s need for support and accommodations.

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. Instead, it is important to think about the level of support a person may need and the accommodations that can help them live life to the fullest.

The term Asperger’s is no longer used as a diagnosis, but some people still use it daily because they feel it reflects their experiences.

Traits Associated with Asperger’s

While the characteristics of Asperger’s tend require less support than other autism spectrum disorders, people with it may exhibit several traits and characteristics that other people with ASD experience:

For example, if you have Asperger’s you might become obsessed with sports statistics or rock collecting and want to talk about those topics at length with others, without thinking about give and take in the conversation.

People with Asperger’s also tend to dislike change; for example, you might prefer eating the same food daily.

Common Characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome

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

What to Know About the DSM-5-TR

We know that Asperger’s, as with all autism 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.

Asperger’s and autism spectrum disorders are forms of neurodivergence. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, but it is considered a disability because people with brains that function differently are expected to adapt to a neurotypical society.

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?

For reference, a depressive episode typically consists of the following types of symptoms over a two-week period that cause an impairment in normal daily functioning:

Symptoms That Co-Occur in Asperger’s and Depression

While we know that Asperger’s and depression tend toco-occur, it can be hard to diagnose depression in someone with Asperger’s because of an overlap of symptoms.

For example, a person with Asperger’s may haveflat affect, meaning that they appear to be sad or down. However, this affective state may not match what they feel on the inside; rather, they might actually feel normal or like nothing is wrong. The issue is that their outward state doesn’t match what they feel on the inside.

In addition, a person with Asperger’s might naturally withdraw from social situations because they are made difficult due to autism traits . This is different from someone who withdraws due to feeling depressed.

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 ofdirect 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.

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. However, it is essential to recognize that CBT should be used cautiously when it comes to neurodivergent folks, including those with Asperger’s.

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.

Medication

While there is no medication specifically for Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorders, medication may be prescribed for depression, such asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(e.g., Prozac).

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.

It can also come from working with therapists and other professionals who have lived experiences with autism, either because they are also autistic or because they regularly work with people who are autistic.

Coping with Asperger’s and Depression

If you have both Asperger’s and symptoms of depression, the best course of action is to receive treatment from a professional. However, if you want to manage symptoms of depression on your own as well, do things such as:

These types ofcoping strategiescan also be implemented during therapy to ensure that you are optimally supported.

If you or someone you know has mood symptoms along with Asperger’s syndrome, it is crucial to evaluate these symptoms to determine whetherclinical depressionis present.

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.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Asperger’s Disorder vs. Social Anxiety Disorder: What Are the Differences?

5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mazzone L, Ruta L, Reale L.Psychiatric comorbidities in asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: diagnostic challenges.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2012;11:16. doi:10.1186/1744-859X-11-16Cassidy S, Bradley P, Robinson J, Allison C, McHugh M, Baron-Cohen S.Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger’s syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study.Psychiatry. 2014;1(2):142-147. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70248-2Ohan JL, Ellefson SE, Corrigan PW.Brief report: the impact of changing from dsm-iv ‘asperger’s’ to dsm-5 ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ diagnostic labels on stigma and treatment attitudes.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45(10):3384-3389. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2485-7Fitzgerald MM.The history of autism in the first half century of the 20th century: new and revised.JRTDD. 2019;1(2):70-77.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is autism spectrum disorder?.Additional ReadingMagnuson KM, Constantino JN.Characterization of Depression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011;32(4):332-340. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e318213f56cMcDougle C.What’s the connection between autism and depression?Raja M, Azzoni A.Comorbidity of Asperger’s syndrome and Bipolar disorder.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2008;4:26. doi:10.1186/1745-0179-4-26Stewart ME, Barnard L, Pearson J, Hasan R, O’Brien G.Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome: a review.Autism. 2006;10(1):103-116. doi:10.1177/1362361306062013Tarazi FI, Sahli ZT, Pleskow J, Mousa SA.Asperger’s syndrome: diagnosis, comorbidity and therapy.Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(3):281-293. doi:10.1586/14737175.2015.1009898

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mazzone L, Ruta L, Reale L.Psychiatric comorbidities in asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: diagnostic challenges.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2012;11:16. doi:10.1186/1744-859X-11-16Cassidy S, Bradley P, Robinson J, Allison C, McHugh M, Baron-Cohen S.Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger’s syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study.Psychiatry. 2014;1(2):142-147. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70248-2Ohan JL, Ellefson SE, Corrigan PW.Brief report: the impact of changing from dsm-iv ‘asperger’s’ to dsm-5 ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ diagnostic labels on stigma and treatment attitudes.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45(10):3384-3389. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2485-7Fitzgerald MM.The history of autism in the first half century of the 20th century: new and revised.JRTDD. 2019;1(2):70-77.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is autism spectrum disorder?.Additional ReadingMagnuson KM, Constantino JN.Characterization of Depression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011;32(4):332-340. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e318213f56cMcDougle C.What’s the connection between autism and depression?Raja M, Azzoni A.Comorbidity of Asperger’s syndrome and Bipolar disorder.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2008;4:26. doi:10.1186/1745-0179-4-26Stewart ME, Barnard L, Pearson J, Hasan R, O’Brien G.Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome: a review.Autism. 2006;10(1):103-116. doi:10.1177/1362361306062013Tarazi FI, Sahli ZT, Pleskow J, Mousa SA.Asperger’s syndrome: diagnosis, comorbidity and therapy.Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(3):281-293. doi:10.1586/14737175.2015.1009898

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mazzone L, Ruta L, Reale L.Psychiatric comorbidities in asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: diagnostic challenges.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2012;11:16. doi:10.1186/1744-859X-11-16Cassidy S, Bradley P, Robinson J, Allison C, McHugh M, Baron-Cohen S.Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger’s syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study.Psychiatry. 2014;1(2):142-147. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70248-2Ohan JL, Ellefson SE, Corrigan PW.Brief report: the impact of changing from dsm-iv ‘asperger’s’ to dsm-5 ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ diagnostic labels on stigma and treatment attitudes.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45(10):3384-3389. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2485-7Fitzgerald MM.The history of autism in the first half century of the 20th century: new and revised.JRTDD. 2019;1(2):70-77.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is autism spectrum disorder?.

Mazzone L, Ruta L, Reale L.Psychiatric comorbidities in asperger syndrome and high functioning autism: diagnostic challenges.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2012;11:16. doi:10.1186/1744-859X-11-16

Cassidy S, Bradley P, Robinson J, Allison C, McHugh M, Baron-Cohen S.Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger’s syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study.Psychiatry. 2014;1(2):142-147. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70248-2

Ohan JL, Ellefson SE, Corrigan PW.Brief report: the impact of changing from dsm-iv ‘asperger’s’ to dsm-5 ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ diagnostic labels on stigma and treatment attitudes.J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45(10):3384-3389. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2485-7

Fitzgerald MM.The history of autism in the first half century of the 20th century: new and revised.JRTDD. 2019;1(2):70-77.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is autism spectrum disorder?.

Magnuson KM, Constantino JN.Characterization of Depression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011;32(4):332-340. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e318213f56cMcDougle C.What’s the connection between autism and depression?Raja M, Azzoni A.Comorbidity of Asperger’s syndrome and Bipolar disorder.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2008;4:26. doi:10.1186/1745-0179-4-26Stewart ME, Barnard L, Pearson J, Hasan R, O’Brien G.Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome: a review.Autism. 2006;10(1):103-116. doi:10.1177/1362361306062013Tarazi FI, Sahli ZT, Pleskow J, Mousa SA.Asperger’s syndrome: diagnosis, comorbidity and therapy.Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(3):281-293. doi:10.1586/14737175.2015.1009898

Magnuson KM, Constantino JN.Characterization of Depression in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2011;32(4):332-340. doi:10.1097/DBP.0b013e318213f56c

McDougle C.What’s the connection between autism and depression?

Raja M, Azzoni A.Comorbidity of Asperger’s syndrome and Bipolar disorder.Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2008;4:26. doi:10.1186/1745-0179-4-26

Stewart ME, Barnard L, Pearson J, Hasan R, O’Brien G.Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome: a review.Autism. 2006;10(1):103-116. doi:10.1177/1362361306062013

Tarazi FI, Sahli ZT, Pleskow J, Mousa SA.Asperger’s syndrome: diagnosis, comorbidity and therapy.Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(3):281-293. doi:10.1586/14737175.2015.1009898

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