title: Obsessions and compulsions in Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, UK. a.russell@iop.kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ailsa J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mataix-Cols
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anson
authors.forename: Declan G M
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: 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