Is it normal for someone with Asperger's to suffer from clinical depression?

Question

First or second-hand experience with Asperger's is preferred for this question. Is it true for a person with A.S. to actually be clinically depressed? And is it true that Aspies have a high suicide rate? I know they have a high substance abuse rate.

Answer 1

The syndrome most certainly exists, yet brain researchers and psychologists have relatively recently decided that because Autism does indeed have a wide spectrum in the levels of Autistic tendencies.

I have read that depression develops at an early age due to the inability to connect well with their families especially if they are undiagnosed; family members might simply dismiss the child as misbehaving or misread their behavior as disobedience when it is really a cry for help.

Because the child lives this way day in and day out he or she becomes extremely discouraged, the lack of feedback from family members inhibits the growth of a healthy image and self-esteem, and often is unable to concentrate in school because of this despite many talents in various subjects and an aptitude for absorbing information.

The child is conditioned from an early age to believe that they have very little self-worth....So, yes, in an answer to your question and from the information I have gathered from numerous websites and personal accounts, many Aspies are clinically depressed but are often misdiagnosed with having other disorders (OCD, PTSD, Borderline, Bipolar) which can occur with Asperger's, but are wrongfully given medication and finally are diagnosed later in life.

I have spoken with people who have Asperger's as far as suicide and substance abuse and it seems that a person feels incredibly misjudged and alone (despite counseling) if they are undiagnosed or do not have a strong support system even if they are diagnosed. I know substance abuse to be quite high but that it does in fact decrease once they receive proper counseling.

I have heard some Aspies saying that they feel suicidal, but I don't know of an accurate way to measure how many people who have committed suicide had A.S. as the syndrome is widely misunderstood.  

Answer 2

This is not an answer but a response to Jacquik. You should know better than to start voicing irresponsible views just because you graduated with a degree in psychology. So f---ing what?! You are not involved in this particular case, you do not have all the vital information, you do not know what kind of treatment was involved. I think your irresponsibility and biased opinion based on only 4 years of schooling indicates what kind of therapist you will be. Be warned everyone who will need a kind, open and empathic therapist in Australia!

Answer 3

As I read, clinical depression is not normal, but someone with AS may tend to develop it. They have a normal suicide rate, common with normal people. But, indeed, they can be more exposed to the causes of depression when dealing with some substances.

Answer 4

No it isn't normal for people suffering with Asperger's to have depression, because Asperger's doesn't exist. It's a myth devised by pop psychology. The fact is people are very diverse in culture and live experience and this will affect the way they interpret the world, but according to this idiot psychologists a person who sees things differently from 'normal' has Asperger's. Whoever diagnosed you with Asperger's is an idiot. And if you are suffering from depression, see a doctor who knows what they're talking about, not some modern pop shrink who'll just feed you a bunch of pills and label you with a nonexistent medical disorder.  

Answer 5

Many aspies go through clinical depression at some point in life and some struggle with it for a long time. I don't know what the suicide rate of aspies is though.

There is help out there for depression and I recommend that you seek medical help if you have depression.

I have Asperger's syndrome and I used to be depressed for quite a while, but I'm doing better now.