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Obsessive compulsive behaviour in autism--towards an autistic-obsessive compulsive syndrome?
R Gross-Isseroff1, H Hermesh, A Weizman
1Outpatient Department, Geha Psychiatric Hospital, P.O.B. 102, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel. bmruth@wisemail.weizmann.ac.il
Summary
Some autistic patients display compulsive behaviors, similar to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Shared neurochemical pathways involving serotonin suggest a potential link that warrants further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Autistic disorder is frequently associated with compulsive-like behaviors.
- Serotonin is implicated in both autistic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Endogenous opioids and oxytocin are also suggested to play roles in both conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential overlap between autistic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To propose a "OCD-autistic disorder" construct for further research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autistic disorder and OCD.
- Analysis of neurochemical and neuroimaging studies.
- Pharmacological comparisons between the two disorders.
Main Results:
- Observed behavioral similarities, specifically compulsive-like actions in autism.
- Identified shared neurochemical pathways, notably involving serotonin.
- Noted parallels in neuroimaging findings and pharmacological responses.
Conclusions:
- The significant overlap in behaviors, neurochemistry, and neuroimaging suggests a potential unified or related disorder.
- Further detailed investigation into this proposed "OCD-autistic disorder" is recommended.