ADASS study

A three-arm RCT among 180 adults with ASD (60 MBSR, 60 CBT, and 60 treatment as usual, (TAU)), conducted in an outpatient setting with measurements at the start and end of the 13 week treatment period, and at 3 months follow-up. Instruments include the hospital anxiety and depressions scale, rumination, irrational belief and mindfulness scales, and an autism symptom checklist

Despite high rates of anxiety and depression among adults with ASD, treatment methods for these comorbid conditions have not been systematically studies or compared in this patient population. Recently, MBSR and CBT protocols were adapted for adults with ASD and could be excellent candidate therapies for reducing anxiety and depression.
The study looks at the ability of both treatment methods to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms among adults with ASD, and to determine which therapy is best suited for which patient.

in each cycle:

Mo: at intake

M1: at start of the 13 week treatment period

M1a: after 4 weeks treatment

M1b: after 8 weeks treatment

M2: on completion of 13 week treatment period

M3: at 3 months follow up

1. cognitive behavioral therapy addopted for adults with ASD (Schuurman, 2012) over a 13 week period

2. Mindfullness based stress reduction therapy for adults with ASD (Spek, 2012) over a 13 week period

3. Treatment as ususal