Obsessions and compulsions in Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism.
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).


OBJECTIVE
To make such a comparison.


METHODS
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.
Russell
Ailsa J
AJ
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK. a.russell@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Mataix-Cols
David
D
Anson
Martin
M
Murphy
Declan G M
DG
D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009770:Obsessive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires