Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect ~ 15–20% of youths without neurodevelopmental disorders, with persons having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fragile X syndrome (FXS) at elevated risk for anxiety disorders. Few studies have compared rates and predictors of anxiety disorders in adolescents with FXS or ASD. This study directly compares rates, predictors, and medication of anxiety disorders between age-matched, male adolescents with FXS (n = 31) or ASD (n = 20). Results indicate that 51.6% of FXS and 50.0% of ASD adolescents met criteria for an anxiety disorder. Cognitive scores and ASD severity did not predict anxiety. Of those with anxiety, ~ 40% of the FXS and 20% of the ASD participants were prescribed medications for anxiety.
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The authors are grateful to the families who participated in this research.
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This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Grant/Award Numbers: 1R01MH107573; U54HD079125; R01MH090194; R01HD024356.
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Jordan Ezell wrote the initial draft of the manuscript, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and completed the statistical analysis. Dr. Hogan assisted with the initial writing of the manuscript, extensively revised the manuscript, and approved final manuscript as submitted. Dr. Fairchild provided expertise on the data analysis, assisted in writing the results, and approved final manuscript. Dr. Hills provided clinical expertise, conducted all clinical reliability, and approved final manuscript as submitted. Dr. Klusek assisted with the study conceptualization and approved final manuscript as submitted. Dr. Abbeduto provided expertise in the conceptualization of the manuscript, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved final submission. Dr. Roberts provided leadership on the design of the study, extensively revised the manuscript, and approved final manuscript as submitted.
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Jordan Ezell declares that she has no conflict of interest. Abigail Hogan declares that she has no conflict of interest. Amanda Fairchild declares that she has no conflict of interest. Kimberly Hills declares that she has no conflict of interest. Jessica Klusek declares that she has no conflict of interest. Leonard Abbeduto declares that he has no conflict of interest. Jane Roberts declares that she has no conflict of interest.
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Ezell, J., Hogan, A., Fairchild, A. et al. Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety Disorders in Adolescent and Adult Males with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 49, 1131–1141 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3804-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3804-6