When Obsessions Meet Psychosis: Recognizing the Schizo- Obsessive Spectrum Through a Case of Autism, OCD, and Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two chronic illnesses that can be extremely debilitating. Schizophrenia falls within the diagnostic category of psychotic disorders, while OCD is categorized as an anxiety disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition 1 . Diagnostic criteria for SCZ include both “positive” and “negative” symptoms. Positive symptoms include disorganized speech, disorganized behavior, the presence of hallucinations - untrue sensory perceptions, and delusions - fixed false beliefs. Negative symptoms include social withdrawal, avolition, diminished emotional expression, and decline in functioning and cognition 1 .  Additionally, the diagnostic umbrella of schizophrenia includes schizotypal personality disorder, which is characterized by diminished social skills, difficulty forming close relationships, and eccentric behavior leading to some cognitive and perceptual distortions 2 .