Schema Therapy for Individuals With Subthreshold Autistic Traits and Recurrent Depressive Disorder: A Case Study

TL;DR

This case study explores the effectiveness of schema therapy for a woman with subthreshold autistic traits and a history of abuse, showing lasting benefits.

Contribution

The study provides a novel practical report on applying schema therapy to individuals with subthreshold autistic traits and psychological difficulties.

Findings

Schema therapy was effective in treating a woman with subthreshold autistic traits and depressive disorder.

The benefits of schema therapy were maintained at an eight-month follow-up.

Understanding autistic traits and using experiential techniques were key to successful therapy.

Abstract

Schema therapy (ST) is a therapeutic approach to address chronic and complex psychological difficulties. ST is also used to treat mental health problems that individuals on the autism spectrum have. However, no practical reports exist on its application to cases involving subthreshold autistic traits with associated psychological difficulties. This report describes schema therapy for a woman with subthreshold autistic traits and raised in an abusive environment. The intervention was based on schema therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum and consisted of a total of 42 sessions. The effects of schema therapy remained effective at an eight-month follow-up. This practice suggests that the promotion of understanding of autistic traits and experiential techniques are helpful in schema therapy for cases with subthreshold autistic traits.

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