Systematic Review of Suicide in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Trends and Implications

AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThere is a heightened risk of suicide in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An up-to-date systematic review was conducted for studies examining suicide in ASD that were published in the past 5  years.Recent FindingsFour previous systematic reviews were identified. The most recent review included studies published between 1995 and 2014. Combining data cross studies, prevalence of suicide attempts in ASD was estimated to be 7 to 47%, and suicidal ideation was 72%.SummaryThe current review included 13 studies. Compared to previous reviews, we identified a shift to the use of larger cohorts, including one population-based study. Prevalence rates for suicidal ideation were 11 to 66% and suicidal attempts were 1 to 35%. One study reported that 0.31% of premature deaths in ASD were due to suicide, significantly higher than general population controls. Further theoretical and empirical work is needed to identify causal mechanisms underlying suicidal risk in people with ASD.

Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - January 18, 2018 Category: Child Development Source Type: research