Lower help-seeking intentions mediate subsequent depressive symptoms among adolescents with high autistic traits: a population-based cohort study.

ABSTRACT: Adolescents with high autistic traits are at increased risk of depression. Despite the importance of seeking help for early intervention, evidence on help-seeking intentions amongst this population is scarce. Using a population-based cohort in Japan, we examined adolescents' help-seeking intentions and preferences by the level of autistic traits and tested its mediating role on the association between high autistic traits and depressive symptoms. At age 12, we measured parent-rated autistic traits using the short version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient and classified the adolescents into two groups (≥ 6 as AQhigh, < 6 as AQlow); help-seeking intentions and preferences were assessed through a depression vignette. At age 14, depressive symptoms were self-rated using the Short Mood and Feelin

SUBMITTER: Hosozawa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10115668 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature