Females More Likely to Receive Diagnosis of and Be Hospitalized for Psychiatric Conditions
The most extensive study on sex differences in psychiatric disorders for young adults (ages 16-25 years) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has recently been completed in Sweden. This research revealed that young females exhibited more mental health issues and psychiatric disorders than young males on the spectrum. These findings were determined using records from multiple psychiatric care centers within the country. Specifically, the study showed that females with ASD were at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. They were also more likely to have been hospitalized for any psychiatric condition in comparison to young males on the spectrum or non-affected young adults. Sex differences observed between females and males with autism resembled those in neurotypical individuals (higher incidence in females for most disorders), however the differences in cumulative incidence were larger among individuals with autism. This population-based research included the highest number of females on the spectrum (n=7129) studied to date. These findings demonstrate a high level of psychiatric issues among this cohort and an urgent need to address their mental health challenges. However, the authors note that psychiatric disorders in both sexes for individuals with ASD need to be considered since hospitalizations were more likely in females and males with autism compared to their neurotypical counterparts of either sex.
