Group cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with Asperger syndrome and anxiety or mood disorder: a case series

Abstract Individuals with Asperger syndrome are at increased risk for mental health problems compared with the general population, especially with regard to mood and anxiety disorders. Generic mental health services are often ill‐equipped to offer psychotherapeutic treatments to this population, and specialized supports are difficult to find. This case series used a manualized cognitive behaviour therapy group programme (Mind Over Mood) with three adults diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, who were each unable to access psychotherapy through mainstream mental health services. This review highlights the benefits of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) group approach for adults with Asperger syndrome and suggests some potential modifications to traditional CBT provision. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message: • As a group, adults with Asperger syndrome are at high risk for anxiety disorders and depression. • Cognitive behaviour therapy can be adapted to help adults with Asperger syndrome cope with anxiety or depression. • Group cognitive behaviour therapy for adults with Asperger syndrome may hold a number of advantages to individual therapy.