Autistic symptomatology in UHR patients: A preliminary report

Psychiatry Res. 2022 Jul:313:114634. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114634. Epub 2022 May 14.

Abstract

Several studies have evaluated the level of autistic symptomatology in schizophrenia patients (SCZ) and ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) patients, but the data are not conclusive. Using the PANSS Autism Severity Score (PAUSS) scale, we found that the degree of autistic symptomatology in UHR patients is significantly lower compared to SCZ patients but higher than in patients with a mood disorder. Moreover, we found a significant correlation between autistic symptomatology and the severity of formal thought disorders, confirming Bleuler's hypothesis about autism and association disorders as core features of psychosis.

Keywords: Autism; Schizophrenia; Ultra High Risk.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder* / complications
  • Humans
  • Mood Disorders / complications
  • Psychotic Disorders* / complications
  • Schizophrenia* / complications