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The Relationship Between Challenging Behavior and Symptoms of Depression in Intellectually Disabled Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

The presence of an intellectual disability (ID) is associated with the presence of co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses, and challenging behavior. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other comorbid psychopathologies are also commonly–observed in this population. Behavioral profiles of depression may help clinicians to detect depression in individuals with ID. In this study of 332 adults with intellectual disability, we found a significant association between symptoms of depression in those with ASD, PDD-NOS, and those with an ID and no ASD. Aggressive/destructive behavior and stereotyped behavior was significantly predictive in all conditions, but self-injurious behavior appears to be a useful predictor only in those with an ASD. Diagnosticians should consider the possibility of a depressive disorder when individuals with an ID present with challenging behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

    Nicole C. Turygin, Johnny L. Matson, Katherine MacMillan & Matthew Konst

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  1. Nicole C. Turygin
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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  3. Katherine MacMillan
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  4. Matthew Konst
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Correspondence to Nicole C. Turygin.

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Turygin, N.C., Matson, J.L., MacMillan, K. et al. The Relationship Between Challenging Behavior and Symptoms of Depression in Intellectually Disabled Adults with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Dev Phys Disabil 25, 475–484 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9321-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-012-9321-1

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