Comparison of executive function and sustained attention in students with obsessive–compulsive, high schizotypal and overlapping symptoms with the normal group

The purpose of this study was to compare executive function and sustained attention in students with obsessive–compulsive, high schizotypal and overlapping symptoms and a control group.

Methods and Materials: 

The present study assessed undergraduate students of Tabriz University by ex post facto method. Randomized multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 1570 students. The subjects completed Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised. Then, during the screening phase, 140 students (in groups of 35) were selected. They completed Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Continuous Performance Test and Stroop color-word test. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA test.

The results of this study showed a significant difference in executive function and sustained attention between high schizotypy and overlapping groups and the control group (P < 0.05). Except for commission errors in CPT, other differences observed between obsessive-compulsive and control groups in executive function and sustained attention except were insignificant (P > 0.05).

The difference between the overlapping group and obsessive-compulsive and high schizotypy groups in terms of executive function and sustained attention pattern may indicate the unique clinical characteristics of the overlapping group.