The role of anxiety and depression in suicidal thoughts for autistic and non‐autistic people: a theory‐driven network analysis

Pelton, M. K., Crawford, H., Bul, K., Robertson, A. E. , Adams, J., de Beurs, D., Rodgers, J., Baron‐Cohen, S. and Cassidy, S. (2023) The role of anxiety and depression in suicidal thoughts for autistic and non‐autistic people: a theory‐driven network analysis. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 53(3), pp. 426-442. (doi: 10.1111/sltb.12954) (PMID:36974940)

Abstract

Background: Autistic adults experience more frequent suicidal thoughts and mental health difficulties than non-autistic adults, but research has yet to explain how these experiences are connected. This study explored how anxiety and depression contribute to suicidal thoughts according to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide for autistic and non-autistic adults. Methods: Participants (autistic adults n = 463, 61% female; non-autistic n = 342, 64% female) completed online measures of anxiety, depression, thwarted belonging, and perceived burdensomeness. Network analysis explored whether: (i) being autistic is a risk marker for suicide; and (ii) pathways to suicidal thoughts are consistent for autistic and non-autistic adults. Results: Being autistic connected closely with feeling like an outsider, anxiety, and movement, which connected to suicidal thoughts through somatic experiences, low mood, and burdensomeness. Networks were largely consistent for autistic and non-autistic people, but connections from mood symptoms to somatic and thwarted belonging experiences were absent for autistic adults. Conclusion: Autistic people experience more life stressors than non-autistic people leading to reduced coping, low mood, and suicidal thoughts. Promoting belonging, reducing anxiety, and understanding the role of movement could inform suicide prevention for autistic people. Research should accurately capture autistic lived experience when modeling suicide to ensure suicide prevention meets autistic needs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Autism, interpersonal theory of suicide, network analysis.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: De Beurs, Mr Derek and Robertson, Dr Ashley
• Authors: Pelton, M. K., Crawford, H., Bul, K., Robertson, A. E., Adams, J., de Beurs, D., Rodgers, J., Baron‐Cohen, S., and Cassidy, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0363-0234
• ISSN (Online): 1943-278X
• Published Online: 28 March 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior 53(3):426-442
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license