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Fan L, Springfield C, Klein H, Ackerman RA, Sasson NJ, Pinkham AE. Assessing the diametrical model of schizotypal and autistic traits in emotion recognition and social functioning in a community sample. Schizophr Res 2023; 261:194-202. [PMID: 37797360 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some research suggests that schizotypal and autistic traits can produce opposing effects on the mentalizing domain of social cognition. Although such findings support a diametrical model proposing that psychotic and autistic traits represent opposite extremes of the social brain continuum, results from recent studies have been more inconsistent, and the applicability of this model to other social cognition domains remains unclear. To test the diametrical model more broadly, this study examined the interactions between schizotypal and autistic traits on emotion recognition and social functioning. METHOD A total of 791 participants recruited from the general population self-reported schizotypal traits using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised (SPQ-BR) and autistic traits using the Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ). Participants also completed the Emotion Recognition 40 task and the Specific Levels of Functioning (SLOF) scale. RESULTS The SPQ subscales of interpersonal relationships and disorganized symptoms interacted significantly with social BAP on overall emotion recognition performance and the accuracy of identifying neutral faces. Supporting the diametrical model, elevated levels of both schizotypal and autistic traits contributed to higher emotion recognition accuracy compared to elevations on only one trait. For social functioning, however, the diametrical model was not supported. A main effect was found such that higher interpersonal relationship difficulties on SPQ predicted lower work skills on SLOF, and higher levels of both schizotypal and autistic traits combined to produce even lower social functioning. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the diametrical model may be more relevant to social cognition than to social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Fan
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Cassi Springfield
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Hans Klein
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Robert A Ackerman
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Noah J Sasson
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Amy E Pinkham
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, United States.
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2
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Hajdúk M, Straková A, Januška J, Ivančík V, Dančík D, Čavojská N, Valkučáková V, Heretik A, Pečeňák J, Abplanalp SJ, Green MF. Connections between and within extended psychosis and autistic phenotypes and social relationships in the general population. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 157:36-42. [PMID: 36436426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non - clinical individuals with higher levels of autistic traits and psychotic experiences also have problems in social relationships. Therefore, this study aimed to model complex associations between autistic and psychotic phenotypes and indicators of social relationships in the general population using a network approach. METHODS The sample consisted of 649 participants with a mean age of M = 40.23 and SD = 13.09 sampled from the general population. The sample was representative for the 18-65 years old general population in the Slovak Republic. The following scales were administered: Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory, and NIH Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales. Associations between variables and the presence of communities were identified using Exploratory Graph Analysis. RESULTS Results revealed four highly stable and densely connected communities within the network: social relationships, autistic traits, positive symptoms, and the last one consisting of all negative symptoms, problems in social interactions, and depression. The most important variables in the network were difficulties in social interaction, perceived rejection, bizarre ideas, depression, and social withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS The psychotic and autistic phenotypes in the general population showed a network of connections with characteristics of social relationships. Community detection revealed that autistic traits and psychotic-like experiences formed relatively independent communities. Further, there was substantial overlap between negative symptoms (e.g., social withdrawal), and core features of the autistic phenotype, especially social interaction difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hajdúk
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; The Centre for Psychiatric Disorders Research, Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Alexandra Straková
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jakub Januška
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Ivančík
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniel Dančík
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Natália Čavojská
- The Centre for Psychiatric Disorders Research, Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vanda Valkučáková
- The Centre for Psychiatric Disorders Research, Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Anton Heretik
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Pečeňák
- The Centre for Psychiatric Disorders Research, Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Samuel J Abplanalp
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States; VA Rehabilitation R&D Center on Enhancing Community Integration for Homeless Veterans, United States; Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, United States
| | - Michael F Green
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, United States; VA Rehabilitation R&D Center on Enhancing Community Integration for Homeless Veterans, United States; Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, United States
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3
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Differences in daily life executive functioning between people with autism and people with schizophrenia. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05547-6. [PMID: 35441913 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This is a comparative analysis of everyday executive functioning between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and controls using Dysexecutive Questionnaire-Spanish (DEX-Sp), to identify patterns of difficulties. Also we assessed the relationship between EF and adaptive behavior as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale-II. Common areas of everyday executive functions were established as problematic in individuals with ASD and SSD related to Disinhibition and Apathy, while Disorganization and Impulsivity was gravely affected in ASD group only. The degree of Dysexecutive Syndrome was predictive of adaptive behavior in ASD group only. These suggest that DEX-Sp could be a useful tool in differentiating areas of strength and weaknesses in clinical groups such as ASD and SDD.
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Wang YM, Cai XL, Zhang RT, Zhang YJ, Zhou HY, Wang Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Wang YY, Cheung EFC, Chan RCK. Altered brain structural and functional connectivity in schizotypy. Psychol Med 2022; 52:834-843. [PMID: 32677599 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720002445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypy refers to schizophrenia-like traits below the clinical threshold in the general population. The pathological development of schizophrenia has been postulated to evolve from the initial coexistence of 'brain disconnection' and 'brain connectivity compensation' to 'brain connectivity decompensation'. METHODS In this study, we examined the brain connectivity changes associated with schizotypy by combining brain white matter structural connectivity, static and dynamic functional connectivity analysis of diffusion tensor imaging data and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. A total of 87 participants with a high level of schizotypal traits and 122 control participants completed the experiment. Group differences in whole-brain white matter structural connectivity probability, static mean functional connectivity strength, dynamic functional connectivity variability and stability among 264 brain sub-regions of interests were investigated. RESULTS We found that individuals with high schizotypy exhibited increased structural connectivity probability within the task control network and within the default mode network; increased variability and decreased stability of functional connectivity within the default mode network and between the auditory network and the subcortical network; and decreased static mean functional connectivity strength mainly associated with the sensorimotor network, the default mode network and the task control network. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the specific changes in brain connectivity associated with schizotypy and indicate that both decompensatory and compensatory changes in structural connectivity within the default mode network and the task control network in the context of whole-brain functional disconnection may be an important neurobiological correlate in individuals with high schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ming Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, PR China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing100190, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xin-Lu Cai
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, PR China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing100190, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui-Ting Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yi-Jing Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Han-Yu Zhou
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ya Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jia Huang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan-Yu Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, PR China
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing100101, PR China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, PR China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing100190, PR China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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5
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Zhang RT, Yang TX, Chen SY, Cheung EFC, Barkus E, Chan RCK. Subclinical psychopathology and affective forecasting: Role of in-the-moment feelings. Psych J 2022; 11:317-326. [PMID: 35037406 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It is important for positive well-being and social engagement to understand how people predict future emotions, an ability known as affective forecasting. However, mechanisms underpinning the change to affective forecasting are not well understood in people with subclinical psychiatric symptoms. The current study differentiated components that comprise affective forecasting and investigated how non-clinical features relate to these. We recruited 319 participants to complete the social affective forecasting task and respond to questionnaires that captured schizotypal and autistic traits as well as depressive symptoms. Associations between affective forecasting and subclinical features were investigated using correlations, regression, and structure equation modeling. Results showed that interpersonal features of schizotypal traits negatively predicted anticipated emotions in positive social conditions via in-the-moment feelings but not via mental simulation. Findings highlight that in-the-moment feelings may be an intervention target to help people who have difficulties with social interactions to anticipate more pleasure for future social events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ting Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Xiao Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Sampson KN, Upthegrove R, Abu-Akel A, Haque S, Wood SJ, Reniers R. Co-occurrence of autistic and psychotic traits: implications for depression, self-harm and suicidality. Psychol Med 2021; 51:1364-1372. [PMID: 32081111 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the clinical and aetiological overlap between autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, reported to co-occur at both diagnostic and trait levels. Individually, sub-clinical autistic and psychotic traits are associated with poor clinical outcomes, including increased depressive symptomatology, self-harming behaviour and suicidality. However, the implications when both traits co-occur remain poorly understood. The study aimed to (1) examine the relationship between autistic and psychotic traits and (2) determine if their co-occurrence increases depressive symptomatology, self-harm and suicidality. METHODS Cross-sectional data from a self-selecting (online and poster advertising) sample of the adult UK population (n = 653) were collected using an online survey. Validated self-report measures were used to assess sub-clinical autistic and psychotic traits, depressive symptomatology, self-harming behaviour and suicidality. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS A positive correlation between sub-clinical autistic and positive psychotic traits was confirmed (rs = 0.509, p < 0.001). Overall, autistic traits and psychotic traits were, independently, significant predictors of depression, self-harm and suicidality. Intriguingly, however, depression was associated with a negative interaction between the autistic domain attention to detail and psychotic traits. CONCLUSIONS This study supports previous findings that sub-clinical autistic and psychotic traits are largely independently associated with depression, self-harm and suicidality, and is novel in finding that their combined presence has no additional effect on depression, self-harm or suicidality. These findings highlight the importance of considering both autistic and psychotic traits and their symptom domains in research and when developing population-based depression prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie N Sampson
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sayeed Haque
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Stephen J Wood
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Renate Reniers
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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7
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Nenadić I, Meller T, Evermann U, Schmitt S, Pfarr JK, Abu-Akel A, Grezellschak S. Subclinical schizotypal vs. autistic traits show overlapping and diametrically opposed facets in a non-clinical population. Schizophr Res 2021; 231:32-41. [PMID: 33744683 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overlap of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and psychosis or schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has exposed problems central to conceptualising and understanding co-morbidity in psychiatric disorders. METHODS In the present study, we demonstrate that a deep phenotyping approach aids clarification of both overlapping and diametrically opposed features of ASD and SSD on the level of trait facets. RESULTS We first show overlap of negative and disorganised (but not positive) features of schizotypy with autistic traits in a sample of n = 376 German non-clinical subjects using multiple psychometric measures of schizotypy (MSS multidimensional schizotypy scale, OLIFE Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, and SPQ-B schizotypal personality questionnaire - brief) and the AQ autism spectrum quotient, with control measures for affective spectrum pathology (BDI). Findings were then replicated in a French-Swiss sample (n = 264) using MSS, OLIFE, AQ, and in addition the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE). Additional principal component analysis confirmed our finding of the co-existence of both overlapping (loss of function, social communication deficit, and negative schizotypy) as well as diametrically opposed features (AQ attention to detail, positive schizotypy) across the two spectra. Results were validated with Horn's parallel analyses, affirming two component solutions, and PCA using sample-specific, factor-analysis-derived schizotypy scores. CONCLUSIONS Providing a framework for multi-dimensional transdiagnostic characterisation of ASD vs. SSD phenotypes we point out overlapping vs. discriminating facets. In addition to the use of novel multidimensional schizotypy scales, it also shows transcultural consistency of findings, and highlights a particular role for the attention to detail AQ subscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Nenadić
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany; Marburg University Hospital - UKGM, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Tina Meller
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrika Evermann
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Simon Schmitt
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Julia-Katharina Pfarr
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Quartier UNIL-Mouline, Géopolis, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Grezellschak
- Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany; Marburg University Hospital - UKGM, Marburg, Germany
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Yang T, Liu J, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Shangguan L, Li Z, Luo X, Gong J. Coping style predicts sense of security and mediates the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety: Moderation by a polymorphism of the FKBP5 gene. Behav Brain Res 2021; 404:113142. [PMID: 33508350 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety still remains unknown. It is therefore necessary to investigate potential psychological and biological mechanisms. A total of 2695 college students were samples for this research during 2017-2018. The assessed variables included demographic characteristics and measures of autistic traits, sense of security, coping styles, and social anxiety. Blood samples were collected from which DNA was extracted. Regression analysis indicated that autistic traits and negative coping were positively associated with social anxiety; furthermore, positive coping, interpersonal security, and sense of control were negatively associated with social anxiety. Further analyses demonstrated that the relationship between autistic traits and social anxiety was mediated by coping styles (both positive coping and negative coping) and sense of security (both interpersonal security and sense of control), and coping style predicted the sense of security. The FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene rs3800373 moderated the association between autistic traits and social anxiety. The present study is the first to demonstrate that both coping style and sense of security play an intermediate role between autistic traits and social anxiety in a sample of Chinese college students; moreover, the FKBP5 gene moderates this association between autistic traits and social anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Department of Child Psychiatry of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, School of Mental Health, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518003, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Lizhi Shangguan
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Zun Li
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Xuerong Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Jingbo Gong
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
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Ramain J, Mohr C, Abu‐Akel A. How Cognitive Control, Autistic and Schizotypal Traits Shape Context Adaptation of Divergent Thinking. JOURNAL OF CREATIVE BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jocb.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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10
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Zhou HY, Yang HX, Cui XL, Shi LJ, Gong JB, Lui SSY, Cheung EFC, Watanabe K, Chan RCK. Self-reported sensory responsiveness patterns in typically-developing and early-onset schizophrenia adolescents: Its relationship with schizotypal and autistic traits. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 131:255-262. [PMID: 33035958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Altered behavioural responses to sensory stimuli, including both hypo- and hyper-reactivity, have been found in individuals with schizophrenia. However, how specific sensory responsiveness patterns are associated with symptomatology of schizophrenia remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to examine sensory responsiveness in typically-developing (TD) adolescents (n = 98) and adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) (n = 29) and investigate the relationship between schizotypal traits and sensory responsiveness patterns. All participants completed the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results showed that higher levels of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity coexisted in EOS patients and were correlated with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Atypical sensory experiences except for sensory seeking were found to be positively correlated with higher levels of schizotypal traits regardless of diagnostic status. Moreover, the strength and pattern of such correlations were comparable in both EOS and TD groups. This study also provided evidence that higher levels of autistic traits would intensify the positive correlation between schizotypal traits and sensory responsiveness abnormalities, suggesting an additive effect of co-occurring schizotypal and autistic traits on atypical sensory experiences. These findings extend previous research by depicting sensory responsiveness patterns in younger populations with schizophrenia, and may have implications for future development of sensory-related interventions in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu Zhou
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Xue Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Long Cui
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Juan Shi
- School of Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
| | - Jing-Bo Gong
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Simon S Y Lui
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Katsumi Watanabe
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Art & Design, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Mental Health and University Students on the Autism Spectrum: a Literature Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-020-00222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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12
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Ford TC, Woods W, Enticott PG, Crewther DP. Cortical excitation-inhibition ratio mediates the effect of pre-attentive auditory processing deficits on interpersonal difficulties. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 98:109769. [PMID: 31676468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence identify aberrant excitatory-inhibitory neural processes across autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly within the psychosocial domain. Such neural processes include increased excitatory glutamate and reduced inhibitory GABA concentrations, which may affect auditory pre-attentive processing as indexed by the mismatch negativity (MMN); thus, an excitation-inhibition imbalance might lead to aberrant MMN, which might in turn drive the relationship between the MMN and psychosocial difficulties. This research has the potential to enhance the neurochemical understanding of the relationship between electrophysiology (MMN) and behavioural/clinical measures (psychosocial difficulties). Thirty-eight adults (18 male, 18-40 years) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Glutamate and GABA concentrations in bilateral superior temporal cortex (STC) were quantified using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) while auditory MMN to a duration deviant was measured with magnetoencephalography. Spearman correlations probed the relationships between STC glutamate/GABA ratios, MMN amplitude and latency, and AQ and SPQ dimensions. Mediation effects of glutamate/GABA ratios on the relationship between MMN and AQ-SPQ dimensions were probed using causal mediation analysis. Only SPQ-interpersonal and AQ-communication were significantly correlated with right hemisphere glutamate/GABA ratios and MMN latency (ps < 0.05), which were themselves correlated (p = .035). Two mediation models were investigated, with right MMN latency as predictor and SPQ-interpersonal and AQ-communication as outcome variables. Right STC glutamate/GABA ratios significantly mediated the relationship between MMN latency and SPQ-interpersonal scores, but only partially mediated the relationship between MMN latency and AQ-communication scores. These findings support the growing body of literature pointing toward an excitation-inhibition imbalance that is central to psychosocial functioning across multi-dimensional spectrum disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, and provides neurochemical indicators of the processes that underlie psychosocial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Will Woods
- Centre for Mental Health, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - David P Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Zhang RT, Wang Y, Yang ZY, Li Y, Wang YM, Cheung EFC, Shum DHK, Yang TX, Barkus EJ, Chan RCK. Network structure of anticipatory pleasure and risk features: Evidence from a large college sample. Psych J 2019; 9:223-233. [PMID: 31845536 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Investigating the relationship between anticipatory pleasure deficits and risk features of mental disorders not only theoretically benefits the understanding of anhedonia, but could also facilitate early detection and intervention of mental disorders. Using network analysis, the present study examined the pattern of relationship between anticipatory pleasure and risk features of schizophrenia spectrum, depressive, anxiety, autism spectrum, and obsessive-compulsive disorders in a large sample of college students (n = 2152). It was found that interpersonal features of schizotypal personality traits and poor social skills of autistic traits showed strong correlation with low social anticipatory pleasure. Depressive symptoms severity was weakly associated with reduced abstract anticipatory pleasure, while obsessive-compulsive traits were weakly associated with high contextual anticipatory pleasure. No significant correlation was found between anxiety symptoms severity and anticipatory pleasure. Social anticipatory pleasure had the highest strength centrality among all anticipatory pleasure components, while interpersonal features of schizotypal personality traits had the highest strength centrality in the whole network. Our findings suggest that impaired anticipatory pleasure, especially social anticipatory pleasure, is a particular feature of schizotypal personality traits and autistic traits. Our findings may have implications for intervention in that the social component may be a target to improve anhedonia in individuals with schizotypal and autistic traits, while interpersonal features may be a key treatment target given that it was central to the relationship between anticipatory pleasure and risk features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ting Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo-Ya Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Haidian District Mental Health Prevent-Treatment Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Ming Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, China
| | | | - David H K Shum
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Applied Psychology and Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tian-Xiao Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Emma J Barkus
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Bechi M, Agostoni G, Buonocore M, Gritti D, Mascia M, Spangaro M, Bianchi L, Cocchi F, Guglielmino C, Bosia M, Cavallaro R. The association of autistic traits with Theory of Mind and its training efficacy in patients with schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH-COGNITION 2019; 19:100164. [PMID: 31832344 PMCID: PMC6890977 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2019.100164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Literature has recently identified a discrete subgroup of patients affected by schizophrenia that also present autistic traits (ATs), showing a peculiar cognitive, clinical and functional profile. Theory of Mind (ToM) represents a core, impaired feature in both schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ToM in patients with schizophrenia and ATs has yet to be investigated. Thus, this study aims, on the one hand, to assess differences among patients with and without ATs on clinical, cognitive and ToM abilities as well as in daily functioning; on the other hand, to compare the efficacy on mentalizing abilities of a specific ToM training in these two groups. Ninety-six patients with schizophrenia were enrolled and underwent a broad cognitive, social-cognitive and functional assessment before and after the ToM training. ANOVAs revealed that patients with schizophrenia and ATs are more impaired in cognition, ToM, in premorbid and daily functioning as well as in clinical features, as compared to patients without ATs. This latter group also showed a general improvement in mentalizing abilities after ToM training, while patients with schizophrenia and ATs did not, with a significant time × group interaction on ToM abilities. These data shed new light on the relation among schizophrenia and ATs, highlighting that patients with these traits are highly impaired in ToM abilities. Thus, ATs seem to limit the effectiveness of ToM training, having implications in clinical and rehabilitative practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Buonocore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gritti
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Mascia
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spangaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Cocchi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmelo Guglielmino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Bosia
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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15
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Zhou HY, Yang HX, Gong JB, Cheung EFC, Gooding DC, Park S, Chan RCK. Revisiting the overlap between autistic and schizotypal traits in the non-clinical population using meta-analysis and network analysis. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:6-14. [PMID: 31387828 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the relationship between autistic and schizotypal traits in the non-clinical population. We first conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the correlation between self-reported autistic traits and the three dimensions of schizotypal traits (positive, negative and disorganization). The strongest correlation was found between autistic traits and negative schizotypal traits (r = 0.536, 95% CI [0.481, 0.586]), followed by the disorganization (r = 0.355, 95% CI [0.304, 0.404]) and positive (r = 0.256, 95% CI [0.208, 0.302]) dimensions. To visualize the partial correlations between dimensional behavioural traits, we constructed a network model based on a large sample of college students (N = 2469). Negative schizotypal traits were strongly correlated with autistic social/communicative deficits, whereas positive schizotypal traits were inversely correlated with autistic-like traits, lending support to the psychosis-autism diametrical model. Disentangling the overlapping and diametrical structure of autism and schizophrenia may help to elucidate the aetiology of these two neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu Zhou
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Xue Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Bo Gong
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Diane C Gooding
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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16
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Cremone IM, Muti D, Diadema E, Barberi FM, Massimetti G, Brondino N, Petrosino B, Politi P, Aguglia E, Lorenzi P, Carmassi C, Gesi C. The mediating effect of trauma and stressor related symptoms and ruminations on the relationship between autistic traits and mood spectrum. Psychiatry Res 2019; 279:123-129. [PMID: 30366638 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies highlighted significant correlations between autistic traits (AT) and mood spectrum symptoms. Moreover, recent data showed that individuals with high AT are likely to develop trauma and stressor-related disorders. This study aims to investigate the relationship between AT and mood symptoms among university students, focusing in particular on how AT interact with ruminations and trauma-related symptomatology in predicting mood symptoms. 178 students from three Italian Universities of excellence were assessed with The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (TALS) and the Moods Spectrum (MOODS). Considering the AdAS Spectrum total scores, 133 subjects (74.7%) were categorized as "low scorers" and 45 subjects (25.3%) as "high scorers". Students in the high scorer group showed significantly higher scores on RRS, TALS-SR and MOOD-SR total scores. Total and direct effects of AdAS Spectrum total score on MOODS-SR total score were both statistically significant. AdAS Spectrum total score also showed a significant indirect effect on MOODS-SR total score through TALS and RRS total scores. Results showed a significant relationship between AT and mood spectrum, which is partially mediated by ruminations and trauma/stressor-related symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Diadema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Beatrice Petrosino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Primo Lorenzi
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Camilla Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
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17
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Network analysis of schizotypal personality traits and their association with other subclinical psychiatric features. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 44:209-216. [PMID: 31419738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schizotypal personality (SP) traits have been found to be correlated with autistic traits, obsessive-compulsive traits, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. However, the overall pattern of the relationship remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the network structure between SP traits and other subclinical features (symptoms or traits) and test the replicability of these relationships. A total of 2204 college students completed measurements for SP traits, autistic traits, obsessive-compulsive traits, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms, and a validated subsample of 814 completed the same questionnaires again three months later. Using network analysis, we constructed the network structure of subclinical features and then tested its replicability. We found that interpersonal features were the bridge node connecting SP traits and autistic traits (social skill: r = 0.50; attention switching: r = 0.14; communication: r = 0.12), while cognitive-perceptual (obsessing: r = 0.05; neutralizing: r = 0.06) and disorganization (obsessing: r = 0.11) features were the SP traits associated with obsessive-compulsive traits. In addition to interpersonal features (r = 0.10), disorganization (r = 0.12) and cognitive-perceptual (r = 0.05) features were also the overlap between depressive symptoms and SP traits. Anxiety symptoms only connected with interpersonal (r = 0.05) but not cognitive-perceptual features of SP traits. The network showed high predictability (43%) and interpersonal features of SP traits had the highest expected influence (1.67) among all nodes, which may be a potential target for intervention. High similarities were found on network structure (r = 0.86) and expected influence (r = 0.96), and no significant difference on global connectivity was found between these two networks (difference value = 0.45, p = 0.135), suggesting the replicability of the network structure.
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18
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Mood symptoms and suicidality across the autism spectrum. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 91:34-38. [PMID: 31003723 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum is a psychopathological dimension which encompasses a wide range of clinical presentations: from subthreshold forms and autistic traits (AT), that can be found in the general population, to full-blown autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many studies reported high rates of comorbidity between both ASD and AT and mood disorders, as well as a high prevalence of suicidal ideation among patients with ASD/AT. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mood symptoms and suicidal ideation and behaviors in patients with full-blown ASD and in subjects with AT, as well in a healthy control (HC) group, with a specific focus on which of the autistic features may be predictive of suicidal ideation and behaviors. METHODS We recruited 262 adult subjects: 34 with ASD without intellectual impairment or language disability (ASD group), 68 fulfilling only one symptom criterion for ASD according to DSM-5 but who do not meet criteria for a full-blown diagnosis of ASD (AT group), and 160 HC. All subjects were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); in addition, they were asked to fill two questionnaires: The Mood Spectrum, Self-report (MOODS-SR) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum). RESULTS ASD subjects reported significantly higher AdAS Spectrum and MOODS-SR total scores, as well as higher MOODS-SR depressive component total scores, when compared with AT and HC subjects. AT subjects scored significantly higher than the HC group. No significant differences were reported between ASD and AT subjects for the suicidality score according to MOODS-SR, despite both groups scored significantly higher than the HC group. The strongest predictor of suicidality score were MOODS-SR depressive component score and AdAS Spectrum Restricted interests and rumination domain score. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight a correlation between autism and mood spectrum, as well as between suicidality and both ASD and AT. Subthreshold forms of ASD should be accurately investigated due to their relationship with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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19
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Carpita B, Muti D, Muscarella A, Dell’Oste V, Diadema E, Massimetti G, Signorelli M, Fusar Poli L, Gesi C, Aguglia E, Politi P, Carmassi C, Dell’Osso L. Sex Differences in the Relationship between PTSD Spectrum Symptoms and Autistic Traits in a Sample of University Students. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2019; 15:110-119. [PMID: 31819759 PMCID: PMC6882188 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While growing literature is stressing the link between Autistic Traits (AT) and trauma-/stress-related disorders, in both conditions significant differences have been separately reported. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the relationship between AT and trauma-/stress-related symptoms with respect to sex. METHODS 178 university students were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (TALS) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS). In order to evaluate sex differences in trauma-/stress-related symptoms among subjects with higher or lower AT, the sample was split in two groups with an equal number of subjects on the basis of the median score reported on AdAS Spectrum ("AdAS high scorers" and "AdAS low scorers"). RESULTS Females reported significantly higher TALS total score, Loss events and Grief reaction domain scores than males in the whole sample, while AdAS high scorers reported significantly higher TALS total and domain scores than AdAS low scorers. A significant interaction between high/low AdAS score and sex emerged for TALS domains, with females scoring significantly higher than males only among AdAS low scorers, specifically on Loss events, Grief reaction, Re-experiencing and Personal characteristics/Risk factors domains. Finally, among AdAS high scorers a significantly higher rate of subjects fulfilled symptomatological criteria for PTSD than among AdAS low scorers, without sex differences. CONCLUSION Our results confirm a significant relationship between AT and trauma-/stress-related symptoms, which seems to prevail on sex differences among high-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Address correspondence to this author at Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psichiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; Tel: +39 3911105675; E-mail: barbara.carpita
| | - D. Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Muscarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V. Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Diadema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M.S. Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - L. Fusar Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - C. Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P. Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Kieckhäfer C, Felsenheimer AK, Rapp AM. A New Test for Irony Detection: The Influence of Schizotypal, Borderline, and Autistic Personality Traits. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:28. [PMID: 30837899 PMCID: PMC6382691 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Irony has repeatedly been suggested as a language based social cognition task. It has been argued to show specific variances in psychiatric disorders and healthy adults with certain personality traits. Above that, irony comprehension is based on a complex interplay of the informational context, the relationship of the conversational partners, and the personality of the recipient. The present study developed a video-based German language test for a systematic examination of irony detection accuracy (Tuerony). The test includes (i) a stereotypical conversation partner (doctor, actor) in (ii) different perspectives (direct interaction, neutral observer) and (iii) a bilateral chat history on a conventional messenger service interface with ironic criticism, ironic praise, literal criticism, and literal praise. Based on the continuous approach of psychiatric symptoms, schizotypal, borderline, and autistic personality traits were associated with irony detection accuracy in a healthy sample. Given the often reported role of mentalization in irony detection, these associations were also investigated. First, a broad variance of irony comprehension in our healthy sample could be shown. Second, schizotypal and borderline, but not autistic traits were significantly negatively associated with irony detection accuracy. Finally, in the current healthy sample, neither variation of the conversational context nor mentalization characteristics were significantly associated with performance beyond personality traits. The current results therefore highlight two aspects for future research in irony comprehension: the importance of ecological valid tests and the role of the individual personality of the recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Kieckhäfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, LVR-Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne K Felsenheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Michael Rapp
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Fliedner Klinik Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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21
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Barlati S, Deste G, Gregorelli M, Vita A. Autistic traits in a sample of adult patients with schizophrenia: prevalence and correlates. Psychol Med 2019; 49:140-148. [PMID: 29554995 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718000600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently conceptualized as distinct disorders. However, the relationship between these two disorders has been revisited in recent years due to evidence that they share phenotypic and genotypic expressions. This study aimed to identify ASD traits in patients with schizophrenia, and to define their demographic, psychopathological, cognitive and functional correlates. METHOD Seventy-five schizophrenia patients (20 females, mean age 42 ± 12) were evaluated with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Participants were also assessed with clinical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial functioning measures. RESULTS Of the 75 patients, 47 were negative to all the autism scales administered (ADOS-TOT-NEG), 21 patients were positive to the ADOS Language sub-domain (ADOS-L-POS), 21 patients were positive to the ADOS Reciprocal Social Interaction (RSI) sub-domain (ADOS-RSI-POS), 14 patients were positive to the ADOS Total scale (ADOS-TOT-POS), and nine patients were positive to the ADI-R scale (ADI-R-POS). Demographic (duration of illness), psychopathological (negative symptoms and general psychopathology), and cognitive (working memory and processing speed) differences emerged between schizophrenic patients with and without ASD traits, while no differences in psychosocial functioning were detected. Results of this study indicate the existence, in a sample of patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, of a distinct group of subjects with ASD features, characterized by specific symptomatological and cognitive profile. CONCLUSIONS These findings may contribute to better characterize patients with schizophrenia in order to develop new procedures and therapeutic tools in a more personalized perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Barlati
- Department of Mental Health,ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia,Italy
| | - G Deste
- Department of Mental Health,ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia,Italy
| | - M Gregorelli
- Center Diagnosis Care and Autism Research (CDRA),ULSS 9 Scaligera,Verona Italy; "Luna" Association Onlus,Brescia,Italy
| | - A Vita
- Department of Mental Health,ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia,Italy
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22
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Upthegrove R, Abu-Akel A, Chisholm K, Lin A, Zahid S, Pelton M, Apperly I, Hansen PC, Wood SJ. Autism and psychosis: Clinical implications for depression and suicide. Schizophr Res 2018; 195:80-85. [PMID: 28823724 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the co-occurrence of autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, the clinical significance of this on outcomes such as depression and suicidal thinking has not been explored. This study examines the association of autism spectrum traits, depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour in individuals with psychotic experiences. In two cross sectional studies, individuals from a non-help seeking university student sample and patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) service completed standardized measures of autism spectrum traits, psychotic experiences, depressive symptoms and suicidal thinking. In healthy non-help seeking students, increased autism traits and increased subclinical psychotic experiences were significantly associated with depressive symptoms; a significant interaction effect suggests their combined presence has a greater impact on depression. In FEP, high autism traits and positive symptoms were associated with increased depression, hopelessness and suicidality, however there was no significant interaction effect. In FEP a multiple mediation model revealed that the relationship between autism traits and risk for suicidality was mediated through hopelessness. Young people with subclinical psychotic experiences and all patients with FEP should be screened for autism spectrum traits, which may have significant impact on clinical outcomes. Tailored interventions for patients with high levels of autistic spectrum co-morbidities in FEP should be a priority for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Upthegrove
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; University of Birmingham, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Forward Thinking Birmingham and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, 1 Printing House Street, Birmingham B4 6DF, United Kingdom.
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- University of Lausanne, Institute of Psychology, UNIL - Mouline, Géopolis - office 4129, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katharine Chisholm
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Sofia Zahid
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mirabel Pelton
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Apperly
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Hansen
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Wood
- University of Birmingham, School of Psychology, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; University of Melbourne, Centre for Youth Mental Health, 35 Poplar Rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Orygen, National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 2a/2A Hartington Street, Glenroy, Victoria 3046, Australia
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23
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Gillespie SM, Abu-Akel AM. Evidence for benefits in comorbid psychopathy and schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2018; 193:472-473. [PMID: 28754581 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad M Abu-Akel
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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24
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Childhood trauma is not a confounder of the overlap between autistic and schizotypal traits: A study in a non-clinical adult sample. Psychiatry Res 2017; 257:111-117. [PMID: 28750214 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Childhood trauma has been shown to be a robust risk factor for mental disorders, and may exacerbate schizotypal traits or contribute to autistic trait severity. However, little is known whether childhood trauma confounds the overlap between schizotypal traits and autistic traits. This study examined whether childhood trauma acts as a confounding variable in the overlap between autistic and schizotypal traits in a large non-clinical adult sample. A total of 2469 participants completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form. Correlation analysis showed that the majority of associations between AQ variables and SPQ variables were significant (p < 0.05). In the multiple regression models predicting scores on the AQ total, scores on the three SPQ subscales were significant predictors(Ps < 0.05). Scores on the Positive schizotypy and Negative schizotypy subscales were significant predictors in the multiple regression model predicting scores on the AQ Social Skill, AQ Attention Switching, AQ Attention to Detail, AQ Communication, and AQ Imagination subscales. The association between autistic and schizotypal traits could not be explained by shared variance in terms of exposure to childhood trauma. The findings point to important overlaps in the conceptualization of ASD and SSD, independent of childhood trauma.
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