Connection between Autism and Depression?

Post Reply New Topic

I've heard many times that people with Autism are more likely to have depression and wanted to know if their was a clear reason on why? Also I have a theory that our subconscious mind may be reminding us of the "idea" that idiots have come up with that we are less then them. (Also sorry if this is something you would post in The Haven).

There definitely does seem to be a link, but so far it seems that no one is sure if the different brain wiring that comes with Autism also is more likely to cause depression, or if it is because we tend to not fit in, get bullied, can't connect with others, are less likely to have relationships and full time employment, etc.

I tend to think the latter.

Reasons I can think of speaking of my own experience:

Not being accepted
Being treated different and inconsistent rules
Being judged because others don't understand you
Trying to be normal and no one letting you
Wanting friends but keep being rejected and ignored
Not being able to relate to your peers
Anxiety can also lead to depression



I think being bullied can lead to depression too and also wanting to do things other people can do but you can't because of your limitations. I think depression is attributed from many disorders.

My view is mostly the same as League_Girls. There are more than enough stress factors caused by both the traits themselves, which are difficult to live with, and other people's treatment of someone on the spectrum, to explain why anyone would wind up depressed. Regular stress and challenge -- not hard to see how that can give rise to depression.

I believe depression with autism is purely situational depression, I am depressed now and I can tell you that it is not the same as clinical depression. Not only does anti depression pills do nothing but I don't even know thats its depression per say as much as just being sad at whats going on around you (bullying, not fitting, inability to communicate for me). I don't believe clinical depression effects anymore autistic people then the general population but situational depression is much higher I believe.

I would surmise that depression is more prevalent to those who, like myself, do not have any great autistic talents or special interests. As a consequence, individuals can go through extended periods where they feel bored, apathetic, lonely, unfulfilled, disconnected and meaningless.

I can't say if there's any direct correlation between ASD and depression, but I suspect that the percentages are higher for those on the spectrum compared to NTs.

Yes I would think that the social stigma on autistic people is enough to explain any tendency towards depression, without having to go into any brain-wiring theories.

I feel like I tend to set my expectations of myself too high. It can make me feel like I'm not keeping up with my goals and that can trigger a lot of anger and frustration on my part. Admittedly, it can also make me feel low.

The thought process of the autistic mind lends itself to depression and anxiety, my brain takes everything apart seeking to find what makes it work, this leads to depression.
Similar to how an NT may be told they are over thinking and over analysing leading them to suffer depression, they are referred for CBT or some other nonsense.
I can't change how I think, some days I'd really like to though.

Using meaningless buzzword talk isn't helping either.

I don't know what you mean. Could you explain? I have no idea what "buzzword" means.

This is why I can't relate to Aspies who are proud of their ASD, would hate a cure if there ever was one, think that ASD is a gift, and wants their children to be on the spectrum too. ASD can't be that great to live with and pass on to your children, if it causes depression.

I just looked up "buzzword" on the internet and it is described as being "popular" speech. My best interpretation of what you mean is that you think I'm... merely echoing what a therapist might say? That's the best I can understand you.

I know you don't know this because we've never talked before, but I have very severe speech problems and therefore I talk very literally. It doesn't mean that I'm using "popular" speech, whatever that really means. This is how I actually speak regardless of the topic or what I am saying. I talk this way sentence after sentence.

Autism can lead to anxiety, which can lead to depression.

I'm pretty sure my depression was not caused by bullying or mistreatment. Most of that came at an early age when I was not depressed. I was bullied some but still managed to enjoy my free time and interests. I became depressed in my late teens, and at that time I wasn't bullied as much as when I was younger. It was more existential. I read some depressing philosophy by Sartre and was like "this makes sense, this is how I feel, everything is pointless". I just stopped giving a crap about school. I got bored and had no motivation anymore. It might have been stress related, but it was more due to school work than bullying. I think more than anything it was hormone changes and physical predisposition. I'm probably not the average depressive autistic though. I don't feel like my depression is situational. It's chemical.