BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive behaviours are common and disabling in autistic-spectrum disorders (ASD) but little is known about how they compare with those experienced by people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). AIM: To make such a comparison. METHOD: A group of adults with high-functioning ASD (n=40) were administered the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and Symptom Checklist and their symptoms compared with a gender-matched group of adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD (n=45). OCD symptoms were carefully distinguished from stereotypic behaviours and interests usually displayed by those with ASD. RESULTS: The two groups had similar frequencies of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, with only somatic obsessions and repeating rituals being more common in the OCD group. The OCD group had higher obsessive-compulsive symptom severity ratings but up to 50% of the ASD group reported at least moderate levels of interference from their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Obsessions and compulsions are both common in adults with high-functioning ASD and are associated with significant levels of distress.
BACKGROUND:Obsessive-compulsive behaviours are common and disabling in autistic-spectrum disorders (ASD) but little is known about how they compare with those experienced by people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). AIM: To make such a comparison. METHOD: A group of adults with high-functioning ASD (n=40) were administered the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and Symptom Checklist and their symptoms compared with a gender-matched group of adults with a primary diagnosis of OCD (n=45). OCD symptoms were carefully distinguished from stereotypic behaviours and interests usually displayed by those with ASD. RESULTS: The two groups had similar frequencies of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, with only somatic obsessions and repeating rituals being more common in the OCD group. The OCD group had higher obsessive-compulsive symptom severity ratings but up to 50% of the ASD group reported at least moderate levels of interference from their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Obsessions and compulsions are both common in adults with high-functioning ASD and are associated with significant levels of distress.
Authors: Marja-Leena Mattila; Tuula Hurtig; Helena Haapsamo; Katja Jussila; Sanna Kuusikko-Gauffin; Marko Kielinen; Sirkka-Liisa Linna; Hanna Ebeling; Risto Bloigu; Leena Joskitt; David L Pauls; Irma Moilanen Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2010-09
Authors: Joshua Nadeau; Michael L Sulkowski; Danielle Ung; Jeffrey J Wood; Adam B Lewin; Tanya K Murphy; Jill Ehrenreich May; Eric A Storch Journal: Neuropsychiatry (London) Date: 2011-12
Authors: Tara R Buck; Joseph Viskochil; Megan Farley; Hilary Coon; William M McMahon; Jubel Morgan; Deborah A Bilder Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2014-12
Authors: Richard Delorme; Catalina Betancur; Isabelle Scheid; Henrik Anckarsäter; Pauline Chaste; Stéphane Jamain; Franck Schuroff; Gudrun Nygren; Evelyn Herbrecht; Anne Dumaine; Marie Christine Mouren; Maria Råstam; Marion Leboyer; Christopher Gillberg; Thomas Bourgeron Journal: BMC Med Genet Date: 2010-07-05 Impact factor: 2.103
Authors: Björn Hofvander; Richard Delorme; Pauline Chaste; Agneta Nydén; Elisabet Wentz; Ola Ståhlberg; Evelyn Herbrecht; Astrid Stopin; Henrik Anckarsäter; Christopher Gillberg; Maria Råstam; Marion Leboyer Journal: BMC Psychiatry Date: 2009-06-10 Impact factor: 3.630
Authors: Gideon E Anholt; Danielle C Cath; Patricia van Oppen; Merijn Eikelenboom; Johannes H Smit; Harold van Megen; Anton J L M van Balkom Journal: J Autism Dev Disord Date: 2010-05