Brief Report: Self-Reported Medication Use in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: A U.S. Clinic Sample from 2012 to 2022.
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| Title: | Brief Report: Self-Reported Medication Use in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: A U.S. Clinic Sample from 2012 to 2022. |
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| Authors: | Izuno-Garcia, A. K. (AUTHOR), Vanderburg, J. L. (AUTHOR), Pagán, A. F. (AUTHOR), Loveland, K. A. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Jun2026, Vol. 56 Issue 6, p2476-2480. 5p. |
| Subjects: | Diagnosis of autism, Mental illness drug therapy, Self-evaluation, Questionnaires, Central nervous system stimulants, Retrospective studies, Descriptive statistics, Tranquilizing drugs, Antipsychotic agents, Antidepressants, Medical records, Acquisition of data, Asperger's syndrome, Clinics, Data analysis software, Psychiatric drugs, Nonprescription drugs, Anticonvulsants, Adults |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Purpose: As the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan has increased, so has the number of individuals being identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood. Understanding co-occurring psychiatric conditions in this subset of the ASD population is a growing focus of research; however, little is known about the rate at which psychiatric medications are prescribed to adults with a first-time diagnosis of ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported medication use in persons diagnosed with ASD in adulthood in a clinic sample (2012–2022) in the United States. Methods: The present study was a retrospective record review. Participants (n = 281) were drawn from an outpatient clinic specializing in the diagnosis of ASD in adults. Participants self-reported previous and current psychiatric medication prescription using a medication checklist. Results: Approximately 50% of participants self-reported being prescribed at least one psychiatric medication at the time of their initial evaluation appointment. The most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications were antidepressants (23.8%), followed by stimulants (16.7%). Conclusion: Similar to individuals diagnosed with ASD in childhood, those identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood are prescribed psychiatric medication at a much higher rate than their same-age non-autistic peers. These results can inform future research and practice for improving outcomes for autistic adults, particularly those who were undiagnosed for much of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: As the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan has increased, so has the number of individuals being identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood. Understanding co-occurring psychiatric conditions in this subset of the ASD population is a growing focus of research; however, little is known about the rate at which psychiatric medications are prescribed to adults with a first-time diagnosis of ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported medication use in persons diagnosed with ASD in adulthood in a clinic sample (2012–2022) in the United States. Methods: The present study was a retrospective record review. Participants (n = 281) were drawn from an outpatient clinic specializing in the diagnosis of ASD in adults. Participants self-reported previous and current psychiatric medication prescription using a medication checklist. Results: Approximately 50% of participants self-reported being prescribed at least one psychiatric medication at the time of their initial evaluation appointment. The most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications were antidepressants (23.8%), followed by stimulants (16.7%). Conclusion: Similar to individuals diagnosed with ASD in childhood, those identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood are prescribed psychiatric medication at a much higher rate than their same-age non-autistic peers. These results can inform future research and practice for improving outcomes for autistic adults, particularly those who were undiagnosed for much of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01623257 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06397-0 |
