Mechanisms of Change in Behavioral Activation: Adapting Depression Treatment for Autistic People

Despite high rates of co-occurring depression, few studies have developed or adapted treatments targeting depressive symptoms for autistic adults. Behavioral activation is widely accepted as an empirically supported approach for treating depression in other populations. Careful attention to the mech...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cognitive and behavioral practice 2023-11, Vol.30 (4), p.589-596
Main Authors: Bal, Vanessa H., Wilkinson, Ellen, Glascock, Victoria, Hastings, Richard P., Jahoda, Andrew
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation
Autism
Depression
Low mood
Treatment
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Summary:Despite high rates of co-occurring depression, few studies have developed or adapted treatments targeting depressive symptoms for autistic adults. Behavioral activation is widely accepted as an empirically supported approach for treating depression in other populations. Careful attention to the mechanisms targeted by behavioral activation is an essential step toward adapting behavioral activation protocols for use with autistic adults. We consider the mechanisms targeted by behavioral activation and provide a framework for research to explore facilitators and barriers to the use of behavioral activation to treat depression in autistic adults. Drawing upon clinical experience and extant literature, the suggestions presented are aimed at highlighting considerations for clinicians wanting to use behavioral activation programs in their clinical practices with autistic adults and to promote the research needed to establish behavioral activation as an evidence-based practice for treating depression in adults on the autism spectrum.
ISSN:1077-7229
1878-187X
DOI:10.1016/j.cbpra.2022.03.006