Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 8, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

Published on: February 22, 2018

Depression and anxiety are increased in autism and ADHD: Evidence from a young adult community-based sample

Simone Capp¹, Aoibhe De Burca¹, Ümit Aydin^1,2

¹Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience King's College London London UK.

|December 15, 2025

Abstract

Background:

Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) overlap to a considerable degree and have been associated with mental health difficulties, yet there is limited research on this relationship. Young adulthood is a time of heightened risk for mental health problems in general. The risk may be greater for individuals with these conditions, for whom societal demands tied to this transitional time may heighten the impact of internalising behaviours. Elucidating the relationships between neurodevelopmental differences and vulnerability to psychopathology may inform future adaptations for specialised support.

Methods:

This study explored whether autistic and ADHD traits and their interaction were associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as meeting diagnostic criteria for internalising disorders in a sample of 556 young-adult twins (mean age 22 years 5 months, 52% female), controlling for sex, age, cognitive ability, and parental socioeconomic status. Four participant groups were created based on traits assessed in young adulthood: high autistic traits, high ADHD traits, high autistic and ADHD traits, and low ADHD and autistic traits.

Results:

High autistic and ADHD traits were independently associated with higher self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms and likelihood of meeting diagnostic thresholds for an anxiety or low mood disorder. While co-occurrence of autism and ADHD exhibited the greatest risk for mental health challenges, no evidence was found for interaction effects between these traits at stringent corrected thresholds. Females with high levels of autistic traits exhibited particularly high risk for concomitant psychopathology.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that those with high levels of autistic and/or ADHD traits may require individualised care strategies, in light of the complex interplay between traits of neurodivergence and mental health outcomes. Future research may explore the efficacy of psychoeducation and specific adaptations to established therapeutic interventions needed to optimise outcomes for adults with these conditions.

Keywords:

ADHD anxiety autism depression mental health neurodivergent traits young adult

More Related Videos

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...

Stress and Mental Health

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Autism and Self-Esteem: A Systematic Review Quantifying Differences Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Adolescents and Investigating Associations With Mental Health Difficulties.

Autism : the international journal of research and practice·2026

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults in England, 2000-2025: Recorded Prevalence and Diagnostic Trends in a Population-Based Observational Study Using Routinely Collected Primary Care Data.

The Lancet regional health. Europe·2026

Machine Learning Prediction of First Suicide Attempts in Early Adolescence Among Child Ideators.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·2026

Childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits and experiences of intimate partner violence up to midlife: evidence from a longitudinal cohort over five decades.

The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2026

Are items from current self-report measures adequate for assessing autistic traits in women? Insights from a modified Delphi study with autistic women and professional experts.

Molecular autism·2026

Differences in associations between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and physical activity across childhood and adolescence and among males and females in a representative UK birth cohort.

JCPP advances·2026

See all related articles