Individuals with autism spectrum disorder may be at an increased risk for depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety diagnoses than those without ASD, according to results of a population-based cohort study published in JAMA Pediatrics.

“Because psychiatric symptoms have a known association with functioning in social, academic and vocational environments, understanding the risk for comorbid mood and anxiety disorders is critical to improve long-term outcomes for individuals with ASD,” Alexandra C. Kirsch, PhD, of the department of psychiatry and psychology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and colleagues wrote. “Knowledge of the population-based risk for associated psychiatric conditions may facilitate advances in necessary screening and treatment guidelines.”