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The role of anxiety and depression in suicidal thoughts for autistic and non-autistic people: A theory-driven network analysis.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Crawford, Hayley 
Bul, Kim 
Robertson, Ashley E 
Adams, Jon 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Autistic adults experience more frequent suicidal thoughts and mental health difficulties than non-autistic adults, but research has yet to explain how these experiences are connected. This study explored how anxiety and depression contribute to suicidal thoughts according to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide for autistic and non-autistic adults. METHODS: Participants (autistic adults n = 463, 61% female; non-autistic n = 342, 64% female) completed online measures of anxiety, depression, thwarted belonging, and perceived burdensomeness. Network analysis explored whether: (i) being autistic is a risk marker for suicide; and (ii) pathways to suicidal thoughts are consistent for autistic and non-autistic adults. RESULTS: Being autistic connected closely with feeling like an outsider, anxiety, and movement, which connected to suicidal thoughts through somatic experiences, low mood, and burdensomeness. Networks were largely consistent for autistic and non-autistic people, but connections from mood symptoms to somatic and thwarted belonging experiences were absent for autistic adults. CONCLUSION: Autistic people experience more life stressors than non-autistic people leading to reduced coping, low mood, and suicidal thoughts. Promoting belonging, reducing anxiety, and understanding the role of movement could inform suicide prevention for autistic people. Research should accurately capture autistic lived experience when modeling suicide to ensure suicide prevention meets autistic needs.

Description

Funder: International Society for Autism Research; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100016490


Funder: National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Centre West Midlands


Funder: Slifka‐Ritvo Foundation


Funder: National Institute Health Research Applied Research Collaboration East of England

Keywords

autism, interpersonal theory of suicide, network analysis, Adult, Humans, Female, Male, Suicidal Ideation, Depression, Interpersonal Relations, Psychological Theory, Suicide, Anxiety, Risk Factors

Journal Title

Suicide Life Threat Behav

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0363-0234
1943-278X

Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley
Sponsorship
Wellcome Trust (214322/Z/18/Z)