%0 Journal Article
%T Brief Report: Self-Reported Medication Use in Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: A U.S. Clinic Sample from 2012 to 2022.
%A Izuno-Garcia AK
%A Vanderburg JL
%A Pagán AF
%A Loveland KA
%J J Autism Dev Disord
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 May 23
%M 38782883
%F 4.345
%R 10.1007/s10803-024-06397-0
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>As the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan has increased, so has the number of individuals being identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood. Understanding co-occurring psychiatric conditions in this subset of the ASD population is a growing focus of research; however, little is known about the rate at which psychiatric medications are prescribed to adults with a first-time diagnosis of ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported medication use in persons diagnosed with ASD in adulthood in a clinic sample (2012-2022) in the United States.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The present study was a retrospective record review. Participants (n = 281) were drawn from an outpatient clinic specializing in the diagnosis of ASD in adults. Participants self-reported previous and current psychiatric medication prescription using a medication checklist.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Approximately 50% of participants self-reported being prescribed at least one psychiatric medication at the time of their initial evaluation appointment. The most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications were antidepressants (23.8%), followed by stimulants (16.7%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Similar to individuals diagnosed with ASD in childhood, those identified with ASD for the first time in adulthood are prescribed psychiatric medication at a much higher rate than their same-age non-autistic peers. These results can inform future research and practice for improving outcomes for autistic adults, particularly those who were undiagnosed for much of their lives.