BackgroundLittle is known about the relationship between autistic traits and addictive behaviors such as problem gambling. Thus, the present study examined clinical characteristics and multiple facets of cognition in young adults who gamble and have autistic traits.MethodsA total of 102 young adults who gamble were recruited from two Mid-Western university communities in the United States using media advertisements. Autistic traits were examined using the brief Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10). Clinician rating scales, questionnaires, and cognitive tests were completed. Relationships between AQ10 scores and demographic, gambling symptom, and neurocognitive measures were evaluated.ResultsAutistic traits were correlated with disordered gambling symptoms, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, trait impulsivity, and some types of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. In regression, ADHD no longer significantly related to autistic traits once disordered gambling symptoms were accounted for; whereas the link between autistic traits and disordered gambling symptoms was robust even controlling for ADHD.ConclusionsThese data suggest a particularly strong relationship between autistic traits and problem gambling symptoms, as well as certain aspects of impulsivity and compulsivity. The link between ADHD and autistic traits in some prior studies may have been attributable to disordered gambling symptoms, which was likely not screened for, and since individuals may endorse ADHD instruments due to other impulsive/compulsive symptom types (eg, gambling). The contribution of autistic traits to the emergence and chronicity of disordered gambling now requires further scrutiny, not only in community samples (such as this) but also in clinical settings.

中文翻译：

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赌博的年轻人的自闭症特征


背景人们对自闭症特征与赌博等成瘾行为之间的关系知之甚少。因此，本研究调查了赌博且具有自闭症特征的年轻人的临床特征和认知的多个方面。方法通过媒体广告从美国中西部的两所大学社区招募了总共 102 名赌博的年轻人。使用简短的自闭症谱商 (AQ-10) 检查自闭症特征。完成了临床医生评定量表、问卷和认知测试。评估了 AQ10 分数与人口统计学、赌博症状和神经认知测量之间的关系。结果自闭症特征与赌博障碍症状、注意力缺陷/多动障碍 (ADHD) 症状、特质冲动和某些类型的强迫症状相关。在回归中，一旦考虑到赌博障碍症状，多动症不再与自闭症特征显着相关；而自闭症特征和赌博障碍症状之间的联系即使在控制多动症的情况下也是很强的。结论这些数据表明自闭症特征和问题赌博症状以及冲动和强迫性的某些方面之间存在特别密切的关系。在一些先前的研究中，多动症和自闭症特征之间的联系可能归因于赌博障碍症状，这可能没有被筛查出来，并且因为个人可能由于其他冲动/强迫症状类型（例如赌博）而认可多动症工具。自闭症特征对赌博失调的出现和长期存在的贡献现在需要进一步的审查，不仅是在社区样本（例如这个）中，而且是在临床环境中。