Autistic Traits as Predictors of Increased Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Severity: The Role of Inflexibility and Communication Impairment

• DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010064
• Publication Date: 2024-01-09T09:38:51Z
• Authors: Liliana Dell’Osso; Benedetta Nardi; Chiara Bonelli; Giulia Amatori; Maria Alessandra ...; Enrico Massimetti; Ivan Mirko Cremone; Stefano Pini; Barbara Carpita
• Keywords: Autistic traits; Association (psychology); Functional impairment; Research Domain Criteria

Due to similar manifestations, some authors have proposed a potential correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive–compulsive (OCD). This link has long been recognized debated, with arguing that these disorders frequently occur comorbid but distinct while others believe they are part of the same spectrum. The aim our study was explore prevalence correlates autistic traits in 55 OCD patients matched controls assess possible dimensions predictive higher symptoms. All participants were assessed Obsessive–Compulsive Spectrum-Short Version (OBS-SV) Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum). group scored significantly both questionnaires. Total OBS-SV scores domains correlated all AdAS total score. total, Verbal Communication Inflexibility adherence routine domain significant positive predictors scores. Lastly, when two clusters subjects (high low autism) determined, presented greatest influence forming clusters. Our findings support association adult population, supporting hypothesis neurodevelopmental basis for psychiatric conditions.