The Relationship between Depression and Broader Autism Phenotype in Nonclinical Population

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong disorder and impairs function of people in different fields. Researchers assert that autism characteristics can be seen in the non-clinical population. One of problems which is common in this population is depression. When depression is coupled with an ASD, it can lead to a significant decrease of well-being and influence functioning. This research is aimed at studying the relationship between autistic characteristics and depression in male participants. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shahed University on male students. 180 questioners were distributed, but data of 120 students were appropriate to analysis. The subjects were assessed on the depression [BDI-II] and the autism-spectrum quotient [AQ]. Data were analyzed in SPSS-23 and AMOS. Results: Results of SEM show that after controlling the measurement error and overlap among components of AQ, social skills [r = 0.20, P < 0.05], attention switching [r = 0.18, P < 0.05], and attention to details [r = -0.17, P < 0.05] had significant effects on depression. Conclusions: Better cognitive functioning may increase people’s awareness of their functional problems, especially in social situations, contributing to a negative self-image and emotional distress. The increased awareness of failure in the people with HFASD may lead to depression.