Should You Seek Help for Suspected Asperger's Syndrome?

Q: Should You Seek Help for Suspected Asperger's Syndrome?

Hello, user： You may have noticed that you feel a significant sense of anxiety in social situations, and that you are different from others. <br>Perhaps you wish you could be more humorous and better understand the "subtext" in social interactions, as well as grasp abstract cultu

If you suspect that you have Asperger's syndrome, it is advisable to seek medical attention?

Hello, Doctor.
I happened to come across an article describing Asperger's syndrome and found several points that resonate with me.
I took the Adult Asperger Assessment Scale and scored 41 out of a maximum of 50.
I have always known that I am different from others; I struggle to understand nuances and subtext.
These "differences" have caused me significant social pressure and anxiety.
Now at 20 years old, I still experience intense fear and anxiety regarding social interactions.
Although I can be described as "quite sociable," that is not truly me; my social skills feel more like acting and imitation, derived from what I have observed in others or read about.
Every time I leave a social setting, I feel utterly exhausted.
This cycle of "feeling anxious around people - trying hard to act - feeling drained after acting" plays out every day, consuming a lot of my energy.
I would like to ask whether it would be more advisable to seek psychological counseling or to visit a psychiatrist for treatment.
Thank you for your response, and I wish you all the best.

Nancy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/23

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry

Hello, user: You may have noticed that you feel a significant sense of anxiety in social situations, and that you are different from others.
Perhaps you wish you could be more humorous and better understand the "subtext" in social interactions, as well as grasp abstract cultural elements like "atmosphere," "meaning," "silence," and "tacit understanding." However, I hope you understand that interacting with others can be quite challenging; you may feel this way, and many others might feel the same.
For instance, in some cultures, social activities are universally perceived as anxiety-inducing (you can refer to this article: https://health.udn.com/health/story/5964/3307136).
Traits associated with Asperger's syndrome can also be observed in some well-known individuals (you can check out this article: https://pansci.asia/archives/75212).

If you reflect calmly, although you may feel that you are not skilled in social activities, you should recognize that you have been gradually growing compared to your past self.
As long as you continue to confront and learn about interpersonal relationships, you may eventually grasp the nuances of interacting with others.
These communication skills will serve you well in future interactions.
If you feel the need for a therapist to help you refine your interpersonal skills, consider seeking assistance from your school counselor or arranging for psychological counseling.
If your anxiety is severe enough to cause insomnia or excessive nervousness while speaking, you might want to consult a clinic to discuss coping strategies or short-term medication assistance.

Wishing you increasing ease in your interactions with others.
Dr.
Liao Ding-Lie

Reply Date: 2021/08/23

More Info

If you suspect that you may have Asperger's Syndrome, it is essential to seek professional help. Asperger's Syndrome, now classified under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is characterized by social difficulties, communication challenges, and restricted interests. Your experience of feeling different from others, struggling with social interactions, and experiencing anxiety in social situations aligns with common symptoms associated with Asperger's.

Given your score of 41 on the adult Asperger's scale, which indicates a significant likelihood of being on the spectrum, it is advisable to consult with a mental health professional who specializes in ASD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a licensed counselor with experience in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation, which may include interviews, questionnaires, and possibly standardized tests to assess your social skills, communication abilities, and behavioral patterns.

In your case, it seems that the social anxiety and pressure you experience are quite overwhelming. The cycle of anxiety, effort to perform socially, and subsequent exhaustion is a common experience for many individuals on the spectrum. This can lead to what is often referred to as "masking," where individuals learn to mimic social behaviors to fit in, which can be mentally and emotionally draining. A mental health professional can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies to cope with social situations more effectively.

Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be beneficial for addressing anxiety and developing social skills. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can help reduce anxiety and improve your confidence in social interactions. Additionally, therapy can provide a safe space to discuss your feelings of being different and help you build self-acceptance.

In some cases, medication may also be considered to help manage anxiety symptoms. A psychiatrist can evaluate whether medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), might be appropriate for you. These medications can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood, making it easier to engage in therapy and social situations.

It is also important to consider joining support groups or communities for individuals with Asperger's or ASD. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and understanding, which can be incredibly validating and supportive.

In summary, seeking help for suspected Asperger's Syndrome is a crucial step toward understanding yourself better and finding effective ways to cope with the challenges you face. A mental health professional can guide you through the diagnostic process and help you develop strategies to manage anxiety and improve your social interactions. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate your experiences.

Similar Q&A

Struggling with Asperger's: Seeking Help Amid Parental Dismissal

Since I was young, I have noticed that I am different from others. Recently, I took the "Adult Asperger's Syndrome Scale" and scored 33 out of a possible 50. Perhaps I am making a big deal out of this, but I have always faced significant challenges in social intera...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
Dear Sir/Madam, From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress. I recommend that you visit our outpatient clinic for an evaluation and testing to determine the underlying issues. Our clinic is open Monday to Friday, both in the morning and aftern...

How to Get Diagnosed with Adult Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide

Since the end of last year, I have been exposed to a lot of information about Asperger's syndrome, and I feel that I might have it. Initially, I thought I needed an MRI to understand if there were any issues with my brain before making a diagnosis of autism. However, I later...

Dr. Xie Dicheng reply Psychiatry
Hello: Although you are already an adult, you can still seek assistance from a child and adolescent psychiatrist, as this condition is related to mental development. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to provide information regarding your mental development from childhood, such...

Understanding Autism and Anxiety: Seeking Help for Mental Health Crisis

I believe I have autism and anxiety disorder, and I have reached a point where I constantly think about leaving this world. I have had thoughts of self-harm twice. What should I do?

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear Hsiao Ai, I apologize for the delay in responding to your concerns due to a malfunction of the hospital's email server. It sounds like you are feeling quite low and depressed, feeling as though there is no one to help you and that life lacks hope, which has led you to ...

Coping Strategies for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome in Social Situations

I have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. In other words, I have difficulty interacting and working with others. What should I do? Since I struggle with social interactions, I mostly stay at home and work with my parents. My parents and doctor say that I am too depende...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hi there! There are various courses available for individuals with Asperger's syndrome that can help you learn how to improve interpersonal interaction skills. You can also seek psychological counseling or participate in group therapy to learn how to enhance this situation. ...