Effects of Group Therapy on Anxiety for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Background: Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often exhibit one or more comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. Some studies have reported the effectiveness of a CBT intervention for anxiety with children with ASD. However, there is little study for adults with ASD.  

Objectives:  The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the efficacy of group therapy for adults with ASD. Our primary hypothesis is that adults with ASD will demonstrate reductions in their secondary symptom such as depression. 

Methods:  Participants were 6 adults with ASD (female 2, mean age=30.3, mean FIQ=98.8, VIQ=99.6, PIQ=95.3, education level=13.5 years, GAF score=40.7, mean AQ score=36.0). All participants gave written informed consent. Group therapy was conducted over a 10-week period (1 session/week) with each session lasting approximately 90 min. Each session was constructed mainly from the sections of gymnastic exercises, group game, psychoeducational therapy and relax. The psychoeducational therapy is focused on understanding of the characteristic of ASD, understanding and identify emotions based on the physiological reactions, thoughts, behaviour, and speech and coping skills. Participants responded to self-completed questionnaire for depression (Center for Epodemilogic Studies Depression scale; CES-D) and for the quality of life (WHO QOL 26) at pre- and post-therapy.

Results:  The mean CES-D score was decreased at post-therapy although the score remained over the cut-off points of depression (mean pre=29.3 and mean post=22.6). The QOL score was increased at post-therapy and at the same level as general populations (mean pre=2.7 and mean post=3.1). 

Conclusions:  These pilot results suggest that group therapy for adults with ASD reduce their secondary symptom such as depression and increase their quality of life.

Sponsor: Pfizer health research foundation