Mental Health
Mental health
At least 20-50% of autistic people and/or those with ADHD experience co-occurring mental health problems. This is higher than rates of mental health problems in the general population (~7-14%).
We do not yet know why mental health problems are so common in neurodivergent groups (e.g. people with autism and/or ADHD). Previous work from Dr Beth Oakley and her team at King's College London suggests that mental health problems are driven by a chronic stress pathway - which is largely similar in neurodivergent and neurotypical groups.
However, there are some factors of particular relevance to neurodivergent people, including social factors (such as a higher risk of experiencing trauma and victimisation, stigma, sensory overstimulation), and cognitive and biological differences (in how the brain perceives, processes, and responds to stress).
To test this, Dr Oakley and her team aim to:
1. Establish individual profiles of anxiety and depression symptoms (and their stability over time) in autistic people and those with ADHD.
2. Investigate risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms, and factors that promote good mental health, in autistic people and those with ADHD.
The goal is to more accurately predict an individual’s likely mental health outcomes, as well as the factors that influence these outcomes, to provide tailored support and reduce mental health problems in neurodivergent people.