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Friday, May 8, 2009
Northwest Hall (Chicago Hilton)
3:30 PM
Background: Individuals with Asperger syndrome (AS) are at increased risk for mental health problems compared to the general population, especially with regard to mood and anxiety disorders. Generic mental health services are ill-equipped to offer psychotherapeutic treatments to this population, and specialized supports are difficult to find. Few treatments for mood and anxiety disorders in adults with AS have been published. Objectives: This pilot study examines the effectiveness of a manual-based group cognitive behaviour therapy program (Mind Over Mood; Greenberger & Padesky, 1995) for use with adults with AS, and suggests ways to adapt the treatment to better suit the needs and abilities of this population.
Methods: Three adults (2 males and 1 female, 39 – 55 years of age) participated in 12 weeks of group CBT, provided by two psychologists (JW & YL). Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the first session (baseline), each participant met with the researchers and completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA; including the AQ and EQ; Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Robinson, & Woodbury-Smith, 2005), Structured Clinical Interview of DSM Disorders (SCID), and Weschler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence – Short Form. At baseline, participants had clinically significant levels of depression or anxiety, and met DSM-IV criteria for a Past or Current Major Depressive Disorder, as well as various comorbidities (e.g., Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc…). All participants had Full Scale IQ estimates in the Average to Above Average range, and met criteria for Asperger Syndrome using the AAA. At the beginning of treatment, participants purchased a copy of Mind Over Mood, which was used as the basis for the intervention. Each week, participants completed the BDI and BAI prior to the session, which will also be completed at 8-weeks follow-up (study ongoing at time of abstract submission). Group feedback occured at the end of the study.
Results: This poster will present a case series tracking the progress made by each participant. Although emotional change as measured by the BDI and BAI was variable, all participants found the group helpful. Positive feedback included that participants did not feel as helpless with their problems and felt less anxiety than before, understood their moods, and were prepared to seek out individual counselling using a CBT framework. Participants remarked that using action plans were very helpful in solving day-to-day problems, and that the thought record was a useful way of examining automatic thoughts. There were also specific suggestions as to how group CBT can be improved for clients with AS.
Conclusions: There is evidence that CBT can be a useful mode of intervention for helping adults with AS with regard to problems with mood. Further research is needed to develop tailored group therapy programs that capitalize on the strengths of individuals with AS, and support their difficulties.
Methods: Three adults (2 males and 1 female, 39 – 55 years of age) participated in 12 weeks of group CBT, provided by two psychologists (JW & YL). Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the first session (baseline), each participant met with the researchers and completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Adult Asperger Assessment (AAA; including the AQ and EQ; Baron-Cohen, Wheelwright, Robinson, & Woodbury-Smith, 2005), Structured Clinical Interview of DSM Disorders (SCID), and Weschler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence – Short Form. At baseline, participants had clinically significant levels of depression or anxiety, and met DSM-IV criteria for a Past or Current Major Depressive Disorder, as well as various comorbidities (e.g., Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc…). All participants had Full Scale IQ estimates in the Average to Above Average range, and met criteria for Asperger Syndrome using the AAA. At the beginning of treatment, participants purchased a copy of Mind Over Mood, which was used as the basis for the intervention. Each week, participants completed the BDI and BAI prior to the session, which will also be completed at 8-weeks follow-up (study ongoing at time of abstract submission). Group feedback occured at the end of the study.
Results: This poster will present a case series tracking the progress made by each participant. Although emotional change as measured by the BDI and BAI was variable, all participants found the group helpful. Positive feedback included that participants did not feel as helpless with their problems and felt less anxiety than before, understood their moods, and were prepared to seek out individual counselling using a CBT framework. Participants remarked that using action plans were very helpful in solving day-to-day problems, and that the thought record was a useful way of examining automatic thoughts. There were also specific suggestions as to how group CBT can be improved for clients with AS.
Conclusions: There is evidence that CBT can be a useful mode of intervention for helping adults with AS with regard to problems with mood. Further research is needed to develop tailored group therapy programs that capitalize on the strengths of individuals with AS, and support their difficulties.