Abstract
The occurrence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is common (37% prevalence
or higher) and results in additional distress and impairment. The phenomenology of OCD in youth with ASD is under-researched
to date. This study compared the clinical characteristics of youth with comorbid ASD and OCD (ASD + OCD) with age and gender
matched controls with OCD in 70 youth (7–13 years old). Youth with both syndromes did not present with more severe OCD symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and total number of obsessions and compulsions between the ASD + OCD group and the OCD
group did not differ statistically. However, group differences in reports of specific OCD symptoms as well as patterns of
comorbidity were identified. Attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, social phobia, and separation anxiety disorder were
more common among youth with ASD + OCD. Better understanding of OCD/ASD co-morbidity may facilitate treatment development.
or higher) and results in additional distress and impairment. The phenomenology of OCD in youth with ASD is under-researched
to date. This study compared the clinical characteristics of youth with comorbid ASD and OCD (ASD + OCD) with age and gender
matched controls with OCD in 70 youth (7–13 years old). Youth with both syndromes did not present with more severe OCD symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and total number of obsessions and compulsions between the ASD + OCD group and the OCD
group did not differ statistically. However, group differences in reports of specific OCD symptoms as well as patterns of
comorbidity were identified. Attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms, social phobia, and separation anxiety disorder were
more common among youth with ASD + OCD. Better understanding of OCD/ASD co-morbidity may facilitate treatment development.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10882-011-9247-z
- Authors
- Adam B. Lewin, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, 800 6th Street South Box 7523, 4th Floor North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Jeffrey J. Wood, School of Education and Information Studies, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Sarah Gunderson, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, 800 6th Street South Box 7523, 4th Floor North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Tanya K. Murphy, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, 800 6th Street South Box 7523, 4th Floor North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Eric A. Storch, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry, 800 6th Street South Box 7523, 4th Floor North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
- Journal Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
- Online ISSN 1573-3580
- Print ISSN 1056-263X