Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Neurodevelopmental Condition, Neurodivergence, Depression, Low mood, Depressive Symptoms
Conditions
Interventions
“Moodbuster” is adapted to “Moodbuster Autism” through collaboration with autistic individuals. It is a guided online intervention based on CBT, aimed at improving mood in autistic adults. It consists
Sponsors
Vrije Universiteit
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 64 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a participant must meet all of the following criteria:A participant must have a formal clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as established by an authorized professional (e.g., psychiatrist/psychologist). This information is provided by the participant; Be at least 18 years of age;Have a minimal score of 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9);Possession of a computer (or laptop or tablet) with internet connectivity.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: A potential participant who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:High suicidal risk, as assessed in the online screening procedure (see 6.3) using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) questionnaire. High risk is defined as answering ‘Yes’ to either question 4 (suicide plans) or 5 (suicide attempt), or to both questions 3 (suicidal thoughts) and 6 (lifetime suicide attempt) of the instrument. Initiation of antidepressant medication less than three months before the screening for this study;PHQ-9 score = 20 at screening (indicative of severe depressive symptoms);A reported DSM-V diagnosis of depression in the annual Netherlands Autism Register (NAR) survey;Currently undergoing psychological treatment for depression.Other co-occurring psychological disorders or conditions and somatic diseases are allowed, since rates of co-occurring psychiatric conditions and disorders are very high in this population. There is large heterogeneity in the prevalence rates of co-occurring mental conditions across development reported in studies (55), but estimates range from 28 - 81% (4, 56). Anti-depressant and other care usage will be monitored at all timepoints in both conditions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Depression symptom severity (primary outcome) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Secondary outcomes: insomnia severity, anxiety, quality of life, daily functioning. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks after baseline), and 6 months follow-up. We will also explore moderators (e.g. baseline symptom severity, age, sex, and therapeutic alliance) of the intervention effect and predictors of treatment outcome to determine who benefits most of the intervention. | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Contacts
Public ContactK.L. Spaargaren
Vrije Universiteit
Outcome results
None listed