The Relationship Between Asperger's and Depression

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.

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 to stigma and misunderstandings about the challenges and expectations for autistic people.

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:

• They may struggle to make eye contact.
• They may also feel unsure about how to react in social situations.
• They may miss social cues, appear awkward, not understand body language or expressions, and show few emotions.
• They might not smile when they are happy and may not laugh at a joke. They may also speak in a monotone or sound like a robot.
• 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.

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.

Common Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome

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
• Struggling to make eye contact and missing nonverbal cues
• Not reacting or empathizing with other people's stories or struggles
• Trouble understanding humor
• Being awkward or clumsy
• Having trouble making or keeping friendships
• Needing to do routines that seem to serve no purpose
• Having repetitive physical mannerisms such as hand waving
• Having a fascination with letters or numbers
• Functioning best when following routines and rituals
• 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 of interest
• 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

What Causes Asperger's?

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.

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.

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:

• Feeling sad or hopeless, guilty, or worthless
• Losing interest in things you usually like to do
• 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)

Symptoms That Co-Occur in Asperger's and Depression

While we know that Asperger's and depression tend to co-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 have flat 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.

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.

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 of treating depression among 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)

CBT can 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 as selective 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.

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:

• Eat healthy food to ensure you have a balanced diet
• Get regular exercise
• Practice mindfulness can help
• Join a support group
• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress effectively
  

If you or someone you know has mood symptoms along with Asperger's syndrome, it is crucial to evaluate these symptoms to determine whether clinical depression is 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.