Executive function deficits associated with symptoms of schizotypy and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Research suggests that executive dysfunction is seen both in disorders of the schizophrenia constellation and in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but that the patterns of executive deficits may differ. While disorders of the schizophrenia spectrum reflect impairment of functions such as integration of cognitive activities, a tendency to perseverate, and a failure to notice details (e.g. impairment associated with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), OCD may involve problems of impulse control and regulation of behavior, and an inability to maintain cognitive set (e.g. impairment associated with the orbitofrontal cortex). The present study examined differences between high-scorers on a measure of schizotypy, high-scorers on a measure of OCD, high-scorers on both schizotypy and OCD and a control group in performance on executive function tests. As expected, the OCD group demonstrated relative deficits on measures thought to reflect orbitofrontal functioning. However, contrary to expectations, the schizotypal group did not demonstrate deficits on neuropsychological tests thought to reflect dorsolateral prefrontal cortex functioning, and the combined group showed no executive impairment.