Autistic Women More Prone to Anxiety and Eating Disorders

Autistic adults often experience other disorders in addition to autism, which affects their quality of life and well-being. A recent analysis reveals significant differences between affected men and women.

Autistic women show a higher risk of suffering from anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also more affected by personality disorders, bipolar disorders, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. In contrast, autistic men are more often diagnosed with substance use disorders, impulse control disorders, or motor disorders like Tourette syndrome.

These differences partly reflect those observed in the general population, where women are more prone to internalizing disorders such as anxiety or depression, while men exhibit more externalizing disorders such as aggression or substance use. However, certain specificities emerge among autistic individuals. For example, unlike the general population, no significant gap appears for obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Autistic women may be more vulnerable due to social and environmental factors. They often receive a late diagnosis, which delays access to appropriate support. Additionally, they are more exposed to violence or trauma, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, increasing the risk of developing mental disorders. Social camouflaging, a common strategy among autistic women to adapt to social norms, can also worsen their psychological distress.

Autistic men, on the other hand, are more often diagnosed with externalizing disorders, which may be explained by differences in the expression of emotional difficulties. Motor disorders, such as tics, are also more common in them.

These findings highlight the importance of personalized care tailored to sex and gender. Healthcare professionals should be particularly attentive to internalizing disorders in autistic women, which are often underestimated due to stereotypes or diagnostic biases. A better understanding of these differences would improve screening and support, preventing some disorders from being overshadowed by the autism diagnosis.

Bibliographie

Source de l’étude

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-026-00562-0

Titre : Sex/Gender Differences in Co-occurring Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Conditions of Autistic Adults: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Revue : Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Éditeur : Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Auteurs : Janina Brede; Rachel Loomes; Will Mandy