This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment ofthe requirement ofthe degree for Doctor ofClinical Psychology at the University ofBirmingham. The thesis consists ofa literature review and empirical paper. The literature review focuses on evidence for a degree ofoverlap between autistic spectrum disorder and psychosis. Evidence suggests that ASD may be a risk factor for psychosis. There may also be a sub group ofindividuals presenting with psychosis who have ASD. It can be speculated that this sub group have an early onset ofschiZ<?phrenia, display severe pre-morbid . , impairments, and suffer with predominantly negative symptoms. Further research is urgently needed. The empirical .paper examines autistic spectrum traits and empathy in individuals at risk of devel<?ping psychosis. A gro\iP at high risk of psychosis scored significantly higher on a measure ofautistic spectrum traits, and significantly lower on a measure of empathy than a control group. Twenty-seven percent ofthe high risk group scored above the cut off for a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. Preliminary analysis suggested that autistic spectrum traits or empathy were not associated with particular psychotic symptoms. Clinicians need to be mindful ofautistic spectrum traits in psychosis samples.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:486621 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Andrews, Katie |
| Publisher | University of Birmingham |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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