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Mas-Bermejo P, Papiol S, Torrecilla P, Lavín V, Kwapil TR, Barrantes-Vidal N, Rosa A. Sex-specific association between schizophrenia polygenic risk and subclinical schizophrenia-related traits. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 136:111161. [PMID: 39368539 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the dimensional view of psychiatric disorders, psychosis is expressed as a continuum in the general population. However, the investigation of the putative genetic aetiological continuity between its clinical and subclinical phenotypes has yielded mixed results. We aimed to replicate previous findings regarding the association of polygenic risk for schizophrenia with subclinical traits (i.e., schizotypy traits and psychotic-like experiences), and to examine the role of sex in this association in a large nonclinical sample. METHODS The Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences were assessed in 919 nonclinical participants. Polygenic Risk Scores for schizophrenia (SZ-PRSs) were computed using the PRS-CS method based on the latest genome-wide association study of schizophrenia. Summary statistics derived from the total GWAS sample and stratified by sex were used. Linear regression analyses tested the associations of the SZ-PRSs with the psychometric variables, both in the total sample and by sex. RESULTS No associations were found between the SZ-PRSs and the positive, negative or disorganized dimensions of schizotypy in the total sample. Likewise, no associations were found with psychotic-like experiences. However, the sex-stratified analyses revealed a male-specific association with positive schizotypy. Similar results were obtained with the PRSs derived from the sex-stratified summary statistics. DISCUSSION Our results are consistent with the lack of clear evidence of an association between SZ common genetic risk and its subclinical phenotypes. Nevertheless, the male-specific association found suggests that this PRS might explain better the male phenotype, as reported in previous studies. Future studies should put a focus on the role of sex in this association to unravel its sex specificities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mas-Bermejo
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Papiol
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Torrecilla
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Valeria Lavín
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
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Garner S, Barkus E, Kraeuter AK. Positive and negative schizotypy personality traits are lower in individuals on ketogenic diet in a non-clinical sample. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:423-432. [PMID: 38991418 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Schizotypal personality comprises traits such as odd beliefs, perceptual abnormalities, and social difficulties; these traits are distributed throughout the general population. While not meeting the clinical threshold for schizophrenia or schizotypal personality disorder, schizotypal personality traits still provide insights for understanding early clinical risk factors. Ketogenic diet reportedly reduces psychotic symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies. Therefore, we investigated whether ketogenic diet is associated with lower schizotypal traits in the general population. Participants following a ketogenic or other diet were recruited using opportunity sampling. Individuals completed a survey investigating general demographic, socioeconomic, health, diet and lifestyle questions, followed by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Revised version (SPQ-BR). We found that individuals following a ketogenic diet (n = 118) had lower ideas of reference, magical thinking, suspiciousness, unusual perceptions, constricted affect, social anxiety scores, cognitive (positive) perceptual scores, interpersonal (negative) scores and total SPQ-BR compared to individuals on the other diets (n = 139). Magical thinking, constricted affect, social anxiety, cognitive perceptual, interpersonal scores and total SPQ-BR scores remained significant when we controlled for body mass index (BMI) and age. Disorganised features were not influenced by ketogenic diet. The longer individuals adhered to a ketogenic diet the lower their positive and negative schizotypy traits. These findings highlight that ketogenic diet is associated with lower non-clinical schizotypal personality traits. Our results suggest that ketogenic diet might have potential prophylactic properties for individuals at-risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Garner
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Barkus
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann-Katrin Kraeuter
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; NUTRAN, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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3
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Kumar S, Davidson CA, Jain R, Saini R. Factor structure and measurement invariance of Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised (Updated) in India. Early Interv Psychiatry 2024; 18:312-319. [PMID: 37650484 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief Revised-Updated (SPQ-BRU) is an easy-to-conduct, theoretically consistent, and psychometrically better measure of schizotypal personality. However, its study is limited to developed countries. Thus, in the present study, we tested the factor structure and measurement invariance of SPQ-BRU in India. METHODS A sample of 734 college students was selected from two sites (n = 614 from Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh and n = 120 from Guhana in Haryana). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the good fitness of the different models of SPQ-BRU and the measurement invariance across sex and region. RESULTS The first-order nine-factor model was a better-fit model (among a set of first-order and second-order models), whereas the second-order three-factor model was a more parsimonious good-fit model of SPQ-BRU. The nine-factor model was strongly invariant across sex and region. Women had higher social anxiety, ideas of reference, and lower constricted affect than men. Moreover, the Gohana sample was higher on several schizotypal personality facades than the Muzaffarnagar sample. CONCLUSIONS The present study supported the cross-cultural validity of schizotypal personality and partially established a reliable and valid SPQ-BRU-Hindi language version.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, India
| | - Charlie A Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Clinical Development Lead, Akin Mental Health, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ranjeeta Jain
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, India
| | - Reena Saini
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, India
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4
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Hakiri A, Stambouli M, Cherif W, Away R, Amri A, Cheour M, Hallit S. Schizotypal traits in a large sample of high-school and university students from Tunisia: correlates and measurement invariance of the arabic schizotypal personality questionnaire across age and sex. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:447. [PMID: 37340441 PMCID: PMC10283320 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main goal of the present study was to examine the characteristics of schizotypal traits and their correlations with genetic (i.e., family history of mental illness), demographic (i.e., age, sex), environmental (e.g., income, urbanicity, tobacco/alcohol/cannabis use), and psychological (i.e., personal history of mental illness other than psychosis) factors in Tunisian high-school and university students. Our secondary goal was to contribute the literature by examining the factor structure and factorial invariance of the Arabic Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) across sex and age (adolescents [12-18 years] vs. young adults [18-35 years]) groups. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study involving 3166 students: 1160 (36.6%) high-school students (53.0% females, aged 14.9 ± 1.8); and 2006 (63.4%) university students (63.9% females, aged 21.8 ± 2.3). All students were asked to complete a paper-and-pencil self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic characteristics as well as the Arabic version of the SPQ. RESULTS The total sample yielded total SPQ scores of 24.1 ± 16.6 out of 74. The SPQ yielded good composite reliability as attested by McDonald's omega values ranging from .68 to .80 for all nine subscales. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that fit of the 9-factor model of SPQ scores was acceptable. This model is invariant (at the configural, metric and structural levels) across sex and age. Except for "Odd or eccentric behavior", all schizotypy features were significantly higher among female students compared to males. Multivariable analyses showed that female sex, being a university student, lowest family incomes, tobacco use, and having a personal history of psychiatric illness were significantly associated with higher positive, negative and disorganized schizotypy subscales scores. CONCLUSION Future research still needs to confirm our findings and investigate the contribution of the identified factors in the development of clinical psychosis. We can also conclude that the Arabic SPQ is appropriate for measuring and comparing schizotypy across age and sex in clinical and research settings. These findings are highly relevant and essential for ensuring the clinical utility and applicability of the SPQ in cross-cultural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abir Hakiri
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Stambouli
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wissal Cherif
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rami Away
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amani Amri
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Majda Cheour
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478 Saudi Arabia
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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5
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Zouraraki C, Karamaouna P, Giakoumaki SG. Cognitive Processes and Resting-State Functional Neuroimaging Findings in High Schizotypal Individuals and Schizotypal Personality Disorder Patients: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:615. [PMID: 37190580 PMCID: PMC10137138 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ample research findings indicate that there is altered brain functioning in the schizophrenia spectrum. Nevertheless, functional neuroimaging findings remain ambiguous for healthy individuals expressing high schizotypal traits and patients with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). The purpose of this systematic review was to identify patterns of task-related and resting-state neural abnormalities across these conditions. MEDLINE-PubMed and PsycINFO were systematically searched and forty-eight studies were selected. Forty studies assessed healthy individuals with high schizotypal traits and eight studies examined SPD patients with functional neuroimaging techniques (fNIRS; fMRI; Resting-state fMRI). Functional alterations in striatal, frontal and temporal regions were found in healthy individuals with high schizotypal traits. Schizotypal personality disorder was associated with default mode network abnormalities but further research is required in order to better conceive its neural correlates. There was also evidence for functional compensatory mechanisms associated with both conditions. To conclude, the findings suggest that brain dysfunctions are evident in individuals who lie along the subclinical part of the spectrum, further supporting the continuum model for schizophrenia susceptibility. Additional research is required in order to delineate the counterbalancing processes implicated in the schizophrenia spectrum, as this approach will provide promising insights for both conversion and protection from conversion into schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Zouraraki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymno, Greece; (C.Z.); (P.K.)
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, 74100 Rethymno, Greece
| | - Penny Karamaouna
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymno, Greece; (C.Z.); (P.K.)
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, 74100 Rethymno, Greece
| | - Stella G. Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymno, Greece; (C.Z.); (P.K.)
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Gallos University Campus, 74100 Rethymno, Greece
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Blose BA, Godleski SA, Houston RJ, Schenkel LS. The Indirect Effect of Peritraumatic Dissociation on the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Schizotypy. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:5282-5304. [PMID: 36073137 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221122832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Schizotypy is a multidimensional personality construct that is understood as a vulnerability for schizophrenia, often manifesting as more subtle and attenuated symptoms, referred to as schizotypic psychopathology. It has many well-established environmental risk factors, including experiencing childhood maltreatment (CM), but the intermediary mechanisms that relate CM to schizotypic psychopathology are unclear. Prior studies have demonstrated that trait dissociation may indirectly affect the relationship between CM and schizotypic psychopathology. However, less is known about the importance of peritraumatic dissociative experiences during CM and how it relates to schizotypic symptom manifestations in young adulthood. Therefore, the present study explored the independent contributions of peritraumatic and trait dissociation in the relationship between CM and schizotypy. Participants (N = 346) were undergraduate students who completed online self-report measures on CM, trait dissociation, peritraumatic dissociation experienced during CM, and schizotypic symptoms. The indirect effect of peritraumatic dissociation and trait dissociation on the relationship between CM and schizotypy was examined using mediational analyses. Correlational analyses revealed significant associations between self-reported CM, schizotypy, trait dissociation, and peritraumatic dissociation. In addition, mediational analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of peritraumatic dissociation (β = .06, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.01, 0.12]), but not trait dissociation (β = .05, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.12]), on CM and schizotypy. These results highlight peritraumatic dissociation as an important mechanism driving the expression of schizotypic symptoms among individuals with a history of CM. Understanding how trauma sequelae lead to schizotypic psychopathology may be crucial in assessing and treating individuals with maltreatment histories or those on the psychosis spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Blose
- Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, USA
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
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7
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Vucurovic K, Raucher-Chéné D, Obert A, Gobin P, Henry A, Barrière S, Traykova M, Gierski F, Portefaix C, Caillies S, Kaladjian A. Activation of the left medial temporal gyrus and adjacent brain areas during affective theory of mind processing correlates with trait schizotypy in a nonclinical population. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:6701589. [PMID: 36107738 PMCID: PMC9949503 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, is associated with abnormal brain activation during theory of mind (ToM) processing. Researchers recently suggested that there is a continuum running from subclinical schizotypal personality traits to fully expressed schizophrenia symptoms. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether schizotypal personality traits in a nonclinical population are associated with atypical brain activation during ToM tasks. Our aim was to investigate correlations between fMRI brain activation during affective ToM (ToMA) and cognitive ToM (ToMC) tasks and scores on the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Basic Empathy Scale in 39 healthy individuals. The total SPQ score positively correlated with brain activation during ToMA processing in clusters extending from the left medial temporal gyrus (MTG), lingual gyrus and fusiform gyrus to the parahippocampal gyrus (Brodmann area: 19). During ToMA processing, the right inferior occipital gyrus, right MTG, precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex negatively correlated with the emotional disconnection subscore and the total score of self-reported empathy. These posterior brain regions are known to be involved in memory and language, as well as in creative reasoning, in nonclinical individuals. Our findings highlight changes in brain processing associated with trait schizotypy in nonclinical individuals during ToMA but not ToMC processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Vucurovic
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Centre Rémois de Psychothérapie et Neuromodulation, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Delphine Raucher-Chéné
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France.,McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 11290 Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandre Obert
- Champollion National University Institute, Cognition Sciences, Technology & Ergonomics Laboratory, University of Toulouse, 81000 Albi, France
| | - Pamela Gobin
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Audrey Henry
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Sarah Barrière
- Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Martina Traykova
- Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Fabien Gierski
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France.,INSERM U1247 GRAP, Research Group on Alcohol and Drugs, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
| | - Christophe Portefaix
- Radiology Department, Reims University Hospital, 51100 Reims, France.,University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, CReSTIC Laboratory, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Stéphanie Caillies
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Arthur Kaladjian
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Société, EA 6291, 51100 Reims, France.,Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie, EPSM et CHU de Reims, 51100 Reims, France.,University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne Faculty of Medicine, 51100 Reims, France
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8
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González-Rodríguez A, García-Pérez Á, Godoy-Giménez M, Carmona I, Estévez ÁF, Sayans-Jiménez P, Cañadas F. Schizotypal personality traits and the social learning of fear. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23048. [PMID: 34845255 PMCID: PMC8630166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizotypy can be defined as a combination of traits qualitatively similar to those found in schizophrenia, but milder in their expression, that can be found in clinical and non-clinical populations. In this research, we explore, to our knowledge, for the first time, whether schizotypal personality traits may affect the acquisition of conditioned fear by social means only. Apart from being an essential capacity to ensure learning in safe environments, social fear learning shares important characteristics with direct fear acquisition, which also makes it a great candidate for developing successful extinction procedures. Undergraduate students (n = 72) performed a task of social fear learning. In this task, participants watched a video of a person that simulated to receive electric shocks (unconditioned stimulus; US) paired with a coloured square (conditioned stimulus plus; CS+), while another coloured square was never paired (conditioned stimulus minus; CS−) with the shock. After that, they were presented with a similar sequence of coloured screens. Their Skin Conductance Responses (SCRs) were registered during the whole process. Once they finished, they completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Our results revealed that participants with a low score in the Cognitive-Perceptual factor of the SPQ exhibited higher SCRs when they saw the US than when they saw the CS− (all ps < 0.01) during the learning phase. Nevertheless, those with higher scores did not present any difference in their SCRs toward both stimuli (all ps > 0.05), a pattern that has been similarly found in schizophrenia. During the final trials of the test phase, participants with the highest scores in the Disorganized factor were the only ones that maintained a higher SCR towards the CS+ than towards the CS− (p = 0.006), which could be associated with an impairment in their extinction processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Isabel Carmona
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.,CEINSA Health Research Centre, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Ángeles F Estévez
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.,CERNEP Research Centre, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Fernando Cañadas
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain. .,CERNEP Research Centre, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
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Larsen EM, Donaldson KR, Liew M, Mohanty A. Conspiratorial Thinking During COVID-19: The Roles of Paranoia, Delusion-Proneness, and Intolerance of Uncertainty. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:698147. [PMID: 34483993 PMCID: PMC8416269 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.698147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has left many feeling a sense of profound uncertainty about their world, safety, and livelihood. Sources espousing misinformation and conspiracy theories frequently offer information that can help make sense of this uncertainty. Individuals high in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) may be particularly impacted by the impoverished epistemic environment and may thus be more drawn to conspiratorial thinking (CT). In the present work, we show across 2 studies (N = 519) that COVID-19-specific CT is associated with higher levels of IU as well as delusion-proneness, and paranoia. Furthermore, delusion-proneness and paranoia explained the relationship between IU and CT and emerged as independent partial correlates of CT even when controlling for other facets of schizotypy. In contrast, anxiety did not explain the relationship between IU and CT. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of individual differences in IU, delusion-proneness and paranoia in the development of CT in the context of the acute uncertainty of a global crisis, in which conspiracy theories are more prevalent and salient. Informational intervention designs may benefit from leveraging the body of work demonstrating the efficacy of targeting IU to incite meaningful changes in thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmett M. Larsen
- Neuroscience of Emotion, Cognition, and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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10
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Moussa-Tooks AB, Bailey AJ, Bolbecker AR, Viken RJ, O’Donnell BF, Hetrick WP. Bifactor Structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire Across the Schizotypy Spectrum. J Pers Disord 2021; 35:513-537. [PMID: 32039649 PMCID: PMC7415588 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2020_34_466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread use in schizophrenia-spectrum research, uncertainty remains around an empirically supported and theoretically meaningful factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Current identified structures are limited by reliance on exclusively nonclinical samples. The current study compared factor structures of the SPQ in a sample of 335 nonpsychiatric individuals, 292 schizotypy-spectrum individuals (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizotypal personality disorder), and the combined group (N = 627). Unidimensional, correlated, and hierarchical models were assessed in addition to a bifactor model, wherein subscales load simultaneously onto a general factor and a specific factor. The best-fitting model across samples was a two-specific factor bifactor model, consistent with the nine symptom dimensions of schizotypy as primarily a direct manifestation of a unitary construct. Such findings, for the first time demonstrated in a clinical sample, have broad implications for transdiagnostic approaches, including reifying schizotypy as a construct underlying diverse manifestations of phenomenology across a wide range of severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B. Moussa-Tooks
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington
| | - Allen J. Bailey
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Amanda R. Bolbecker
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana,Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Richard J. Viken
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington
| | - Brian F. O’Donnell
- Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana,Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington
| | - William P. Hetrick
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana,Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana,Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana,Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University Bloomington
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Daimer S, Mihatsch L, Ronan L, Murray GK, Knolle F. Subjective Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Schizotypy and General Mental Health in Germany and the United Kingdom, for Independent Samples in May and in October 2020. Front Psychol 2021; 12:667848. [PMID: 34393901 PMCID: PMC8355554 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.667848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies reported a strong impact on mental health during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March-June, 2020. In this study, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on mental health in general and on schizotypal traits in two independent general population samples of the United Kingdom (May sample N: 239, October sample N: 126; participation at both timepoints: 21) and in two independent general population samples of Germany (May sample N: 543, October sample N: 401; participation at both timepoints: 100) using online surveys. Whereas general psychological symptoms (global symptom index, GSI) and percentage of responders above clinical cut-off for further psychological investigation were higher in the May sample compared to the October sample, schizotypy scores (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire) were higher in the October sample. We investigated potential associations, using general linear regression models (GLM). For schizotypy scores, we found that loneliness, use of drugs, and financial burden were more strongly corrected with schizotypy in the October compared to the May sample. We identified similar associations for GSI, as for schizotypy scores, in the May and October samples. We furthermore found that living in the United Kingdom was related to higher schizotypal scores or GSI. However, individual estimates of the GLM are highly comparable between the two countries. In conclusion, this study shows that while the general psychological impact is lower in the October than the May sample, potentially showing a normative response to an exceptional situation; schizotypy scores are higher at the second timepoint, which may be due to a stronger impact of estimates of loneliness, drug use, and financial burden. The ongoing, exceptional circumstances within this pandemic might increase the risk for developing psychosis in some individuals. The development of general psychological symptoms and schizotypy scores over time requires further attention and investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Daimer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenz Mihatsch
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Ronan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Graham K. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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12
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Muller AM, Dalal TC, Stevenson RA. Schizotypal traits are not related to multisensory integration or audiovisual speech perception. Conscious Cogn 2020; 86:103030. [PMID: 33120291 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2020.103030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Multisensory integration, the binding of sensory information from different sensory modalities, may contribute to perceptual symptomatology in schizophrenia, including hallucinations and aberrant speech perception. Differences in multisensory integration and temporal processing, an important component of multisensory integration, are consistently found in schizophrenia. Evidence is emerging that these differences extend across the schizophrenia spectrum, including individuals in the general population with higher schizotypal traits. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between schizotypal traits and perceptual functioning, using audiovisual speech-in-noise, McGurk, and ternary synchrony judgment tasks. We measured schizotypal traits using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), hypothesizing that higher scores on Unusual Perceptual Experiences and Odd Speech subscales would be associated with decreased multisensory integration, increased susceptibility to distracting auditory speech, and less precise temporal processing. Surprisingly, these measures were not associated with the predicted subscales, suggesting that these perceptual differences may not be present across the schizophrenia spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Muller
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tyler C Dalal
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan A Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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13
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Alfimova MV, Lezheiko TV, Sergeev NV, Plakunova VV, Golimbet VE. [Structure of schizotypal traits in the Russian population]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:94-101. [PMID: 32790982 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202012007194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Establishing the structure of schizotypal traits and its cross-cultural and demographic universality is an important condition for increasing the effectiveness of prognosis of schizophrenic spectrum disorders and basic research on their etiology. The present study aimed to explore the structure of schizotypal traits measured by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-74) in the Russian population. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the factor structure of SPQ-74 were performed using a sample of 1316 people of a wide age range. It is shown that, in the Russian population, the four-factor «paranoid» model of N. Stefanis et al. had the best fit for the data. The multivariate confirmatory analysis evidenced the gender invariance of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N V Sergeev
- Moscow State Academy of Physical Education, Moscow, Russia
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14
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Kunst H, Lobbestael J, Candel I, Batink T. Early maladaptive schemas and their relation to personality disorders: A correlational examination in a clinical population. Clin Psychol Psychother 2020; 27:837-846. [PMID: 32358901 PMCID: PMC7754466 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Personality disorder (PD) pathology has been linked to early maladaptive schemas (EMSs). Because of a large heterogeneity in study populations, sample size, statistical analyses and conceptualizations in the literature, the exact relationships between PDs and EMSs are still unclear. The current study examined the relationship between borderline, dependent, avoidant and obsessive–compulsive PDs, represented dimensionally as number of traits, and 15 different EMSs as measured by the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ). A total of N = 130 inpatients took part in the study (Mage = 43.6, gender = 51.5% female). Stepwise regressions indicated that borderline, dependent, avoidant and obsessive–compulsive PD traits were partly characterized by specific EMSs and EMSs grouped as domains (i.e., other‐directedness domain for dependent PD and overvigilance for obsessive–compulsive PD) and that relations with a variety of domains and EMSs were overlapping for the PD dimensions (i.e., disconnection and rejection for both borderline and avoidant PDs). This suggests that PDs are reflected by a hybrid model of EMSs, with some EMSs and domains that relate to a broader vulnerability factor for PDs, and other domains that differentially relate to the independent PDs. Findings are informative for clinicians, as various EMSs per PD may be targeted in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kunst
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.,The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jill Lobbestael
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Candel
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Batink
- U-Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands.,Open Universiteit, Epen, AH, The Netherlands
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15
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Ellis JD, Pittman BP, McKee SA. Co-occurring opioid and sedative use disorder: Gender differences in use patterns and psychiatric co-morbidities in the United States. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 114:108012. [PMID: 32527509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-medical use of both opioids and sedatives increases risk of overdose or accident. The purpose of the present study was to describe rates of co-use, to examine baseline characteristics and psychiatric conditions potentially associated with meeting criteria for co-occurring opioid use disorder and sedative use disorder, and to examine whether these relationships varied by gender. Participants were 330 individuals from the NESARC-III who met criteria for current opioid use disorder. Gender-stratified logistic regression analyses, accounting for the survey design, were used to identify psychiatric conditions associated with meeting criteria for co-occurring sedative use disorder. Results indicated that 16.4% of the sample also met criteria for sedative use disorder. Notably, 55.6% of the sample attained opioids through their own prescription. Of those with co-occurring sedative use disorder, 47.2% attained sedatives through their own prescription. Posttraumatic stress disorder (OR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.40-6.51) and antisocial personality disorder (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.37-5.41) were associated with co-occurring sedative use disorder among both men and women with opioid use disorder. Depressive disorders (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.01-4.42) and schizotypal personality disorder (OR = 5.78, 95% CI = 2.48-13.49) were associated with co-occurring sedative use disorder in women only. Results of the present study highlight the importance of prescription monitoring, further research into gender-informed treatments, and implementation of treatments for substance use and co-occurring symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Brian P Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Sherry A McKee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, United States of America
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16
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Rosen M, Haidl TK, Ruhrmann S, Vogeley K, Schultze-Lutter F. Sex differences in symptomatology of psychosis-risk patients and in prediction of psychosis. Arch Womens Ment Health 2020; 23:339-349. [PMID: 31485796 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-019-01000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences may be important for understanding underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and developing effective preventions and treatments of mental disorders. Despite sex differences in the onset of psychosis, patients at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) are underinvestigated for sex effects, especially with respect to models for prediction of conversion to psychosis. We studied psychopathological sex differences in referrals to a German early detection service and in its subgroup of converters and examined sex-specific psychopathological prediction models. In 152 male and 90 female referrals (88% at CHR; 35% converters), symptoms assessed with the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes were investigated for sex differences using effect sizes. Sex-specific prediction models of psychosis were separately generated using Cox regressions with a LASSO operator. We found different small sex effects (0.10 < Rosenthal's r < 0.30) in the referral and in the converter sample. In the referral sample, exclusively, males showed more pronounced symptoms (all negative symptoms incl. reduced stress tolerance, grandiosity, and disorganized communication); in converters, females experienced more pronounced perceptual abnormalities, bizarre thinking, and odd behaviors, while males expressed and experienced emotions to a lower degree. Furthermore, sexes differed in psychosis-predictive symptoms: "suspiciousness" and "disorganized communication" were prominent in prediction of psychosis in males, whereas "trouble with focus and attention" was so in females. While most sex differences in patients attending an early detection service seem to reflect general differences that are not specifically related to psychosis, others might be psychosis-specific. These results can inform the development of more individualized and effective interventions for CHR patients based on more precise sex-specific prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Theresa Katharina Haidl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Ruhrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kai Vogeley
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstraße 2, 40629, Düsseldorf, Germany
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17
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Schultze-Lutter F, Schimmelmann BG, Flückiger R, Michel C. Effects of age and sex on clinical high-risk for psychosis in the community. World J Psychiatry 2020; 10:101-124. [PMID: 32477906 PMCID: PMC7243619 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v10.i5.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports of both heightened prevalence rates and limited clinical relevance of clinical high-risk (CHR) criteria and their relevant symptoms in children and adolescents indicate an important role of neurodevelopment in the early detection of psychoses. Furthermore, sex effects in CHR symptoms have been reported, though studies were inconclusive. As sex also impacts on neurodevelopment, we expected that sex might have an additional contribution to age in the prevalence and clinical relevance of CHR symptoms and criteria.
AIM To investigate age and sex effects on CHR criteria and symptoms and their association with psychosocial impairment and mental disorder.
METHODS In this cross-sectional cohort study, n = 2916 8- to 40-year-olds, randomly drawn from the population register of the Swiss canton Bern, were assessed in semi-structured interviews by phone or face-to-face for CHR symptoms and criteria using the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes and the Schizophrenia Proneness Instrument in its child and youth, and adult version, respectively. Furthermore, social and occupational functioning and DSM-IV axis I disorders were assessed. Simple and interaction effects of age and sex on CHR symptoms and criteria, and interaction effects of age, sex, and CHR symptoms and criteria on presentation of functional impairment and of non-psychotic disorder were investigated using logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS Altogether, 542 (18.6%) participants reported any CHR symptom; of these, 261 (9.0%) participants reported any one of the 11 criteria relevant cognitive and perceptual basic symptoms, and 381 (13.1%) any one of the five attenuated or transient psychotic symptoms (attenuated psychotic symptoms/brief intermittent psychotic symptoms). Fewer participants met any one of the CHR criteria (n = 82, 2.8%) or any one of the three recently recommended CHR criteria (n = 38, 1.3%). Both age and sex were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with CHR symptoms and criteria, mostly by younger age and female sex. Though slightly differing between symptom groups, age thresholds were detected around the turn from adolescence to adulthood; they were highest for cognitive basic symptoms and CHR criteria. With the exception of the infrequent speech disorganization attenuated psychotic symptom, the interaction of age with CHR symptoms and criteria predicted functional impairment; whereas, independent of each other, sex and CHR symptoms mostly predicted mental disorders.
CONCLUSION Age and sex differentially impact on CHR symptoms and criteria; these differences may support better understanding of causal pathways. Thus, future CHR studies should consider effects of sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf 40692, Germany
| | - Benno G Schimmelmann
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern 3000, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Rahel Flückiger
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern 3000, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Michel
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern 3000, Switzerland
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18
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Khaled SM, Wilkins SS, Woodruff P. Lifetime prevalence and potential determinants of psychotic experiences in the general population of Qatar. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1110-1120. [PMID: 31133090 PMCID: PMC7253618 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To estimate the lifetime prevalence and potential determinants of psychotic experience(s) (PEs) in the general population of Qatar - a small non-war afflicted, conservative, high-income, middle-eastern country with recent rapid urbanization including an influx of migrants. METHODS A probability-based sample (n = 1353) of non-migrants and migrants were interviewed face-to-face and administered a 7-item psychosis screener adapted from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale, and the 5 items assessing odd (paranormal) beliefs and magical thinking (OBMT) from the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Using bivariate and logistic regression analyses, lifetime prevalence rates of PEs were estimated then compared before and after adjustment for socio-demographics, Arab ethnicity, psychological distress, and OBMT. RESULTS Prevalence of PEs was 27.9%. Visual hallucinations were most common (12.8%), followed by persecutory delusions (6.7%) and auditory hallucinations (6.9%). Ideas of reference (3.6%) were least prevalent. PEs were significantly higher in Arabs (34.7%) compared with non-Arabs (16.4%, p < 0.001) with the exception of ideas of reference and paranoid delusions. Female gender was associated with a higher prevalence of PEs in the Arab group only (p < 0.001). Prevalence of PEs was significantly higher among Arabs (48.8% v. 15.8%, p < 0.001) and non-Arabs (35.2% v. 7.3%, p < 0.001) with OBMT. Arab ethnicity (OR = 2.10, p = 0.015), psychological distress (OR = 2.29 p = 0.003), and OBMT (OR = 6.25, p < 0.001) were independently associated with PEs after adjustment for all variables. CONCLUSIONS Ethnicity, but not migration was independently associated with PEs. Evidence linking Arab ethnicity, female gender, and psychological distress to PEs through associations with OBMT was identified for future prospective investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma M. Khaled
- Social and Economic Survey Research Institute, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Stacy Schantz Wilkins
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peter Woodruff
- Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weil Cornell – Medicine, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- National Institute of Health Research – Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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19
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Salminen I, Read S, Hurd P, Crespi B. Does SNORD116 mediate aspects of psychosis in Prader-Willi syndrome? Evidence from a non-clinical population. Psychiatry Res 2020; 286:112858. [PMID: 32065983 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The paternally expressed gene SNORD116 encodes a set of short nucleolar RNAs that affect the expression of hundreds of other genes via epigenetic interactions. Lack of expression for SNORD116 has been implicated in major phenotypes of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Rates of psychosis and autism spectrum disorders are greatly increased in PWS, but the genetic and epigenetic causes of these increases remain unknown. We genotyped a large population of typical individuals for five SNPs within SNORD116 and phenotyped them for variation in schizotypal and autism spectrum traits. SNORD116 SNP and haplotype variation mediated variation exclusively in the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Ideas of Reference subscale, which reflects variation in aspects of paranoia. The effect was restricted to females. SNORD116 represents, in addition to UBE3A and NDN-MAGEL2, a third, independent locus in the 15q11-q13 imprinted region that preferentially or exclusively affects levels of paranoia. This convergent pattern may reflect a common neural pathway affected by multiple genes, or an effect of interactions between the imprinted loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pete Hurd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Harper L, Spencer E, Davidson C, Hutchinson CV. Selectively reduced contrast sensitivity in high schizotypy. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:51-62. [PMID: 31781821 PMCID: PMC6957544 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in the ability to encode small differences in contrast between adjacent parts of an image (contrast sensitivity) are well documented in schizophrenic patients. In the present study, we sought to determine whether contrast sensitivity deficits reported in schizophrenic patients are also evident in those who exhibit high schizotypy scores in a typical (i.e., non-schizophrenic) population. Using the O-Life Questionnaire, we determined the effects of schizotypy on spatial (0.5, 2 and 8 c/deg) and spatiotemporal (0.5 and 8 c/deg at 0.5 and 8 Hz) contrast sensitivity in 73 young (18-26 years), majority female (n = 68) participants. We found differences in contrast sensitivity that were spatial, spatiotemporal and O-Life subscale specific. Spatial contrast sensitivity was significantly lower in high, compared to low schizotypes at low spatial frequencies (0.5 c/deg) in those who scored highly on the Unusual Experiences and Cognitive Disorganisation O-Life subscales. For moving stimuli, individuals with high scores on the Unusual Experiences subscale exhibited lower spatiotemporal contrast sensitivity for 0.5 and 8 c/deg patterns drifting at 8 Hz. Although the effects reported here were relatively small, this is the first report of reduced contrast sensitivity in schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Harper
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Emily Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Colin Davidson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Claire V Hutchinson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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21
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van der Linden K, Simons C, van Amelsvoort T, Marcelis M. Lifetime and Momentary Psychotic Experiences in Adult Males and Females With an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:766. [PMID: 32848936 PMCID: PMC7416642 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing research shows that adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more vulnerable to develop overt psychosis. However, studies investigating (subclinical) psychotic experiences (PE) in ASD are scarce, and it is unknown if PE are accompanied with more distress in adults with ASD compared to the general population. This study examined lifetime PE and accompanying distress, momentary PE levels, and the impact of daily life stress and negative affect (NA) on momentary PE in males and females with ASD compared to controls. METHODS In 50 adults with ASD (males N= 26, females N= 24) and 51 adults without ASD (males N= 26, females N= 25), the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) was used to analyze group differences in frequency and distress of lifetime subclinical positive, negative, and depressive symptoms. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was used to measure momentary PE, NA, and stress (activity-related, event-related, and social stress) for 10 days. Multilevel analyses were conducted to test whether stress and NA were associated with momentary PE and whether these associations were modified by group or sex. RESULTS Adults with ASD reported more lifetime CAPE negative and depressive symptoms, but similar levels of PE, than controls. Higher levels of accompanying distress were found in participants with ASD for each subscale. With respect to ESM momentary PE, higher levels were reported by adults with ASD and a stronger association between event-related stress and momentary PE was found compared to controls. This was not the case for NA, activity-related, and social stress. Overall, no significant differences between male and female outcomes were found. CONCLUSION Adults with ASD are more prone to encounter lifetime subclinical negative and depressive symptoms and accompanying distress compared to adults without ASD. Similar levels of lifetime PE in both groups were still accompanied with more distress in the ASD group. Furthermore, higher levels of ESM momentary PE were found in participants with ASD. Additionally, event-related stress may act as a risk factor for PE in both females and males with ASD, with a stronger risk-increasing effect than in their control counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim van der Linden
- GGzE, Mental Healthcare Institution Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Claudia Simons
- GGzE, Mental Healthcare Institution Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Machteld Marcelis
- GGzE, Mental Healthcare Institution Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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22
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Zhou HY, Yang HX, Gong JB, Cheung EFC, Gooding DC, Park S, Chan RCK. Revisiting the overlap between autistic and schizotypal traits in the non-clinical population using meta-analysis and network analysis. Schizophr Res 2019; 212:6-14. [PMID: 31387828 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the relationship between autistic and schizotypal traits in the non-clinical population. We first conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the correlation between self-reported autistic traits and the three dimensions of schizotypal traits (positive, negative and disorganization). The strongest correlation was found between autistic traits and negative schizotypal traits (r = 0.536, 95% CI [0.481, 0.586]), followed by the disorganization (r = 0.355, 95% CI [0.304, 0.404]) and positive (r = 0.256, 95% CI [0.208, 0.302]) dimensions. To visualize the partial correlations between dimensional behavioural traits, we constructed a network model based on a large sample of college students (N = 2469). Negative schizotypal traits were strongly correlated with autistic social/communicative deficits, whereas positive schizotypal traits were inversely correlated with autistic-like traits, lending support to the psychosis-autism diametrical model. Disentangling the overlapping and diametrical structure of autism and schizophrenia may help to elucidate the aetiology of these two neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yu Zhou
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Xue Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Bo Gong
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Eric F C Cheung
- Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Diane C Gooding
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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23
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Flückiger R, Michel C, Grant P, Ruhrmann S, Vogeley K, Hubl D, Schimmelmann BG, Klosterkötter J, Schmidt SJ, Schultze-Lutter F. The interrelationship between schizotypy, clinical high risk for psychosis and related symptoms: Cognitive disturbances matter. Schizophr Res 2019; 210:188-196. [PMID: 30683524 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizotypy and clinical high risk (CHR) criteria can identify individuals who are at increased risk for developing psychosis in community and patient samples. However, both approaches have rarely been combined, and very little is known about their associations. Therefore, we examined the factorial structure of CHR and related symptoms and schizotypy features as well as their interrelationship for the first time in a comprehensive approach. In a sample of 277 patients (22 ± 6 years) from two early detection services, structural equation modeling including confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test a theory-driven model using four Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales, 14 predictive basic symptoms (BS) of the Schizophrenia Proneness Instrument, and positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms from the Structured Interview for Psychosis-Risk Syndromes. The data fitted well to the six hypothesized latent factors consisting of negative schizotypy, positive schizotypy including perceptual BS, negative symptoms, positive symptoms, disorganized symptoms and cognitive disturbances. As postulated, schizotypy features were significantly associated with positive, negative and disorganized symptoms through cognitive disturbances. Additionally, positive and negative schizotypy also had a direct association with the respective symptom-domain. While the identified factorial structure corresponds well to dimensional models of schizotypy and psychoses, our model extends earlier models by indicating that schizotypy features are associated with positive, negative and disorganized symptoms directly or indirectly via subjective cognitive disturbances. This calls for more attention to subjective cognitive deficits in combination with heightened schizotypy in the early detection and intervention of psychoses - or even of an Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Flückiger
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland.
| | - Chantal Michel
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland.
| | - Phillip Grant
- Psychology School, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Marienburgstr. 6, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Faculty of Life Science Engineering, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, Wiesenstr. 14, 35390 Gießen, Germany.
| | - Stephan Ruhrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.
| | - Kai Vogeley
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.
| | - Daniela Hubl
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland.
| | - Benno G Schimmelmann
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland; University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Klosterkötter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Köln, Germany.
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Fabrikstrasse 8, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Bergische Landstraße 2, 40629 Dusseldorf, Germany.
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24
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Schultze-Lutter F, Nenadic I, Grant P. Psychosis and Schizophrenia-Spectrum Personality Disorders Require Early Detection on Different Symptom Dimensions. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:476. [PMID: 31354543 PMCID: PMC6637034 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotic disorders and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders (PD) with psychotic/psychotic-like symptoms are considerably linked both historically and phenomenologically. In particular with regard to schizotypal and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), this is evidenced by their placement in a joint diagnostic category of non-affective psychoses in the InternationaI Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, (CD-10) and, half-heartedly, the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5). Historically, this close link resulted from observations of peculiarities that resembled subthreshold features of psychosis in the (premorbid) personality of schizophrenia patients and their biological relatives. These personality organizations were therefore called "borderline (schizophrenia)" in the first half of the 20th century. In the 1970s, they were renamed to "schizotypal" and separated from psychotic disorders on axis-I and from other PD on axis-II, including modern borderline PD, in the DSM. The phenomenological and historical overlap, however, has led to the common assumption that the main difference between psychotic disorders and SPD in particular was mainly one of severity or trajectory, with SPD representing a latent form of schizophrenia and/or a precursor of psychosis. Thus, psychosis proneness and schizotypy are often assessed using SPD questionnaires. In this perspective-piece, we revisit these assumptions in light of recent evidence. We conclude that schizotypy, SPD (and other schizophrenia-spectrum PD) and psychotic disorder are not merely states of different severity on one common but on qualitatively different dimensions, with the negative dimension being predictive of SPD and the positive of psychosis. Consequently, in light of the merits of early diagnosis, the differential early detection of incipient psychosis and schizophrenia-spectrum PD should be guided by the assessment of different schizotypy dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Igor Nenadic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-Universität Marburg/UKGM, Marburg, Germany
| | - Phillip Grant
- Psychology School, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Life Science Engineering, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Biological Psychology and Individual Differences, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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25
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Liu J, Wong KKY, Dong F, Raine A, Tuvblad C. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Child (SPQ-C): Psychometric properties and relations to behavioral problems with multi-informant ratings. Psychiatry Res 2019; 275:204-211. [PMID: 30928723 PMCID: PMC6748384 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is one of the most widely used screening tools for schizotypy in adults. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Child version (SPQ-C) was recently developed to assess schizotypy in children and has a similar three-factor structure to the adult SPQ (i.e., Cognitive-Perceptual, Interpersonal-Affective, and Disorganization). However, few studies to date have reported on the psychometric properties and the usefulness of the SPQ-C in Eastern populations, including Mainland China. This study presents the first psychometric assessment of the Chinese SPQ-C in Mainland China. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the factor structure of the SPQ-C in 1668 children (M = 12.10, SD = 0.60 years) from the China Jintan Child Cohort Study. Our findings document a three-factor structure and partial measurement invariance across residential location and gender, replicating the psychometric properties of the SPQ-C in English. The Chinese SPQ-C further correlates with standard behavioral problems (i.e., Child Behavior Checklist, Youth Self-Report and Teacher Report Form), demonstrating construct validity and utility as a child psychopathology assessment tool. Our findings provide the first robust psychometric evidence for a three-factor structure of the Chinese SPQ-C in a large Mainland Chinese sample, and suggest that the SPQ-C is suitable as a screening tool for schizotypy in community children who may be at risk for behavioral problems and later psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd., Claire M. Fagin Hall, Room 426, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, USA.
| | - Keri Ka-Yee Wong
- University of College London, Institute of Education, Department of Psychology and Human Development, London, UK.
| | - Fanghong Dong
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Adrian Raine
- University of Pennsylvania, Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Catherine Tuvblad
- University of Southern California, Department of Psychology, Los Angeles, CA, USA; School of Law, Psychology and Social Work / Criminology Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
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26
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Zouraraki C, Karagiannopoulou L, Karamaouna P, Pallis EG, Giakoumaki SG. Schizotypal traits, neurocognition, and paternal age in unaffected first degree relatives of patients with familial or sporadic schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2019; 273:422-429. [PMID: 30684787 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies comparing cognitive processes between familial and sporadic schizophrenia have yielded inconsistent findings. In this study we examined differences in neurocognition and schizotypal traits in unaffected relatives of schizophrenia-spectrum patients with either the familial (multiplex) or the sporadic (simplex) subtype of the disorder, taking paternal age at birth into consideration. Simplex (n = 65; SR), multiplex (n = 35; MR) relatives and controls (n = 114) were compared on several cognitive functions and schizotypal traits; between-group differences were evaluated with and without including paternal age in the analyses. SR and MR had higher negative and paranoid traits compared with controls, but paternal age abolished the differences between the SR and control groups. When taking into account schizotypal traits and participants' age, controls outperformed MR in strategy formation and set-shifting and SR in psychomotor speed, set-shifting and executive working memory. After including paternal age in the analyses, controls outperformed MR in strategy formation, working memory and executive working memory and both groups in psychomotor speed and set-shifting. These findings suggest that multiplex relatives present with a "riskier" personality and cognitive profile when considering the effects of paternal age. Nevertheless, simplex relatives are impaired in fundamental cognitive processes, thus highlighting the detrimental effects of paternal age on neurocognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Zouraraki
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece.
| | - Leda Karagiannopoulou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece
| | - Penny Karamaouna
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleftherios G Pallis
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece
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27
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Kállai J, Rózsa S, Hupuczi E, Hargitai R, Birkás B, Hartung I, Martin L, Herold R, Simon M. Cognitive fusion and affective isolation: Blurred self-concept and empathy deficits in schizotypy. Psychiatry Res 2019; 271:178-186. [PMID: 30481696 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional nonclinical sample study to examine the different levels of the Ipsiety Disturbance Model (IDM) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (introduced by Sass and Parnas, 2003). Three faces of schizotypy were studied: diminished self-presence, hyper-reflexivity, and distortion in experience of own self and another person's self-discrimination. A sample of college students (N = 1312) was provided a questionnaire packet that contained the Schizotypy Personality Questionnaire Brief-Revisited (SPQ-BR), the Self-Concept Clarity Sale, the Tellegen Absorption Scale, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index measures. Results: higher absorption capabilities predict higher scores on both the SPQ-BR cognitive and SPQ-BR disorganization factors. High scores in cognitive empathy predicted a low score on both SPQ-BR cognitive and SPQ-BR interpersonal scores. In contrast, higher affective empathy predicted high scores on the SPQ-BR interpersonal factor. The deficiency in self-concept clarity predicted an elevated score on the SPQ-BR cognitive, interpersonal, and disorganization schizotypy symptoms. We argue that a lack of self-concept clarity manifested in both the hyperreflexivity level (measured by absorption) and the metallization level (measured by empathy). We argue that the IDM is a reliable way to interpret functioning with different levels of schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Kállai
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs 7625, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Rózsa
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Ernő Hupuczi
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs 7625, Hungary.
| | - Rita Hargitai
- Department of Personality and Clinical Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Béla Birkás
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs 7625, Hungary.
| | - István Hartung
- Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs 7625, Hungary.
| | - László Martin
- Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, Kaposvári University, Kaposvár, Hungary.
| | - Róbert Herold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Universi of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Mária Simon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, Universi of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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28
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Barron D, Voracek M, Tran US, Ong HS, Morgan KD, Towell T, Swami V. A reassessment of the higher-order factor structure of the German Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-G) in German-speaking adults. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:328-336. [PMID: 30173038 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is a widely-used self-report instrument for the assessment of schizotypal personality traits. However, the factor structure of scores on English and non-English translations of the SPQ has been a matter of debate. With little previous factorial evaluation of the German version of the SPQ (SPQ-G), we re-assessed the higher-order factor structure of the measure. A total of 2,428 German-speaking adults from Central Europe (CE) and the United Kingdom (UK) completed the SPQ-G. Confirmatory factor analysis - testing proposed 2-, 3-, and 4-factor models of SPQ-G scores - indicated that the 4-factor solution had best fit. Partial measurement invariance across cultural group (CE and UK) and sex was obtained for the 4-factor model. Further analyses showed CE participants had significantly higher scores than UK participants on one schizotypal facet. These results suggest that scores on the SPQ-G are best explained in terms of a higher-order, 4-factor solution in German migrant and non-migrant adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Barron
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia.
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hui San Ong
- School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Kevin D Morgan
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Tony Towell
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Viren Swami
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia; Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge, UK
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29
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Toutountzidis D, Gale TM, Irvine K, Sharma S, Laws KR. Sex differences in the association between childhood adversities and schizotypal personality traits. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:31-37. [PMID: 30145298 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Patients with psychosis report higher levels of adverse events in childhood. This relationship has not been extensively examined in healthy individuals who score highly on schizotypal personality traits. This study examined the association between different childhood traumas and psychosis-like traits in a general population sample, as well as differences in those links between men and women. Participants completed an online survey including measures of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and schizotypal personality traits. Results showed that the experience of emotional abuse was associated with a range of both positive and negative psychosis-like traits in both sexes. Sex differences emerged in the association between physical abuse and schizotypal personality traits. Although men reported more physical abuse in early life than women, this type of trauma was only associated with schizotypal traits in women and not in men. Additionally, women scored higher than men in sexual abuse; however, sexual abuse did not explicitly predict any schizotypal traits in the presence of the other two types of abuse. A simple linear or dose-response relationship between different types of trauma and psychosis-like traits was not supported. The importance of emotional abuse on schizotypy was highlighted in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim M Gale
- Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; Research and Development Department, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hatfield, UK
| | - Karen Irvine
- Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; Research and Development Department, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hatfield, UK
| | - Shivani Sharma
- Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Keith R Laws
- Department of Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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30
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Ortuño J, Debbané M, Chan RCK, Cicero D, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Inchausti F, Bobes J, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Aymen Lahmar M, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A, Isvoranu AM, Epskamp S, Fried EI. The Network Structure of Schizotypal Personality Traits. Schizophr Bull 2018; 44:S468-S479. [PMID: 29684178 PMCID: PMC6188518 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating schizotypal traits is important if we are to understand the various manifestations of psychosis spectrum liability and to reliably identify individuals at high risk for psychosis. The present study examined the network structures of (1) 9 schizotypal personality domains and (2) 74 individual schizotypal items, and (3) explored whether networks differed across gender and culture (North America vs China). The study was conducted in a sample of 27001 participants from 12 countries and 21 sites (M age = 22.12; SD = 6.28; 37.5% males). The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) was used to assess 74 self-report items aggregated in 9 domains. We used network models to estimate conditional dependence relations among variables. In the domain-level network, schizotypal traits were strongly interconnected. Predictability (explained variance of each node) ranged from 31% (odd/magical beliefs) to 55% (constricted affect), with a mean of 43.7%. In the item-level network, variables showed relations both within and across domains, although within-domain associations were generally stronger. The average predictability of SPQ items was 27.8%. The network structures of men and women were similar (r = .74), node centrality was similar across networks (r = .90), as was connectivity (195.59 and 199.70, respectively). North American and Chinese participants networks showed lower similarity in terms of structure (r = 0.44), node centrality (r = 0.56), and connectivity (180.35 and 153.97, respectively). In sum, the present article points to the value of conceptualizing schizotypal personality as a complex system of interacting cognitive, emotional, and affective characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Javier Ortuño
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - David Cicero
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
| | - Lisa C Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, LA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Julie Suhr
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University Athens, OH
| | - Felix Inchausti
- Department of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julio Bobes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Axit Fumero
- Department of Psychology, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Julien Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT—Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT—Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Assen Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Adela M Isvoranu
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sacha Epskamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eiko I Fried
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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31
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to give an overview on the current literature on sex differences in personality disorders and to highlight the potential of dimensional approaches. RECENT FINDINGS Empirical findings on sex differences in personality disorders are inconsistent and appear to be highly dependent on study settings. Current studies have mainly focused on borderline and antisocial personality disorder and the question whether these are sex-specific representations of a common substrate. In general, sexes differ in the manifestation of personality disorders as well as in comorbidities. Criticism of the established categorical model led to an additional dimensional model of personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Investigations on sex differences in personality disorders are sparse and mainly limited to antisocial and borderline personality disorder. The introduction of a dimensional model offers the chance to re-think the construct of "personality disorder" and thereby also opens the possibility for a better understanding of sex differences.
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32
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Chan RCK, Debbané M, Cicero D, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Muñiz J, de Albéniz AP, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Lahmar MA, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A, Ortuño-Sierra J. Comparisons of schizotypal traits across 12 countries: Results from the International Consortium for Schizotypy Research. Schizophr Res 2018; 199:128-134. [PMID: 29567403 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypal traits are expressions of underlying vulnerability to psychotic disorders which have a potential impact on mental health status, neurocognition, quality of life, and daily functioning. To date, little research has examined epidemiologic landscape of schizotypal traits at the cross-national level. Our aim was to study the expression of schizotypal traits by sex, age, and country in a combined sample gathered from 12 countries. METHODS A total of 27,001 participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The mean age of participants was 22.12 (SD=6.28); 37.5% (n=10,126) were males. RESULTS Schizotypal traits varied according to sex, age, and country. Females scored higher than males in the positive dimension, whereas males scored higher in the disorganization dimension. By age, a significant decrease in the positive schizotypal traits was observed. Epidemiological expression of schizotypal traits varied by country. Moreover, several interactions by sex, age, and country were found. CONCLUSIONS This pattern is similar to those found in patients with psychosis and psychotic-like experiences. These findings provide new insights and the opportunity to explore the phenotypic expression of schizotypal traits at cross-national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijng, China
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - David Cicero
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
| | - Lisa C Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, USA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, USA
| | - Julie Suhr
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University, USA
| | - José Muñiz
- Centro de Investigación en Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Axit Fumero
- Department of Psychology, University of La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stella Giakoumaki
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsaousis
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | - Julien Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORMENT - Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, Cognitive Psychopathology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Assen Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Barron D, Morgan KD, Towell T, Jaafar JL, Swami V. Psychometric properties of the Malay Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire: Measurement invariance and latent mean comparisons in Malaysian adults. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2018; 10. [PMID: 28677341 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is a widely used self-report measurement instrument for the assessment of schizotypal personality traits. However, the factor structure of the SPQ has been a matter of some debate. As a contribution to this debate, we examined the factor structure of the SPQ in Malaysian adults. METHOD A total of 382 Malaysian adults completed a Malay translation of the SPQ. Confirmatory factory analysis was used to examine the fit of 3- and 4-factor solutions for the higher-order dimensionality of the SPQ. Ethnic invariance for the best-fitting model was tested at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, and a multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine sex and ethnicity differences in domain scores. RESULTS The 4-factor model provided a better fit to the data than did the 3-factor model. The 4-factor model also demonstrated partial measurement invariance across ethnic groups. Latent mean comparisons for sex and ethnicity revealed a number of significant differences for both factors, but effect sizes were small. DISCUSSION The 4-factor structure of the SPQ received confirmatory support and can be used in Malay-speaking populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Barron
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Kevin D Morgan
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Tony Towell
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Jas L Jaafar
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Viren Swami
- Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.,Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia
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Carrigan N, Barkus E, Ong A, Wei M. Do complaints of everyday cognitive failures in high schizotypy relate to emotional working memory deficits in the lab? Compr Psychiatry 2017; 78:115-129. [PMID: 28843155 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals high on schizotypy complain of increased cognitive failures in everyday life. However, the neuropsychological performance of this group does not consistently indicate underlying ability deficits. It is possible that current neuropsychological tests lack ecological validity. Given the increased affective reactivity of high schizotypes, they may be more sensitive to emotional content interfering with cognitive ability. This study sought to explore whether an affective n-back working memory task would elicit impaired performance in schizotypy, echoing complaints concerning real world cognition. METHODS 127 healthy participants completed self-report measures of schizotypy and cognitive failures and an affective n-back working memory task. This task was varied across three levels of load (1- to 3-back) and four types of stimulus emotion (neutral, fearful, happy, sad). Differences between high (n=39) and low (n=48) schizotypy groups on performance outcomes of hits and false alarms were examined, with emotion and load as within-groups variables. RESULTS As expected, high schizotypes reported heightened vulnerability to cognitive failures. They also demonstrated a relative working memory impairment for emotional versus neutral stimuli, whereas low schizotypes did not. High schizotypes performed most poorly in response to fearful stimuli. For false alarms, there was an interaction between schizotypy, load, and emotion, such that high schizotypy was associated with deficits in response to fearful stimuli only at higher levels of task difficulty. Inclusion of self-reported cognitive failures did not account for this. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the "gap" between subjective and objective cognition in schizotypy may reflect the heightened emotional demands associated with cognitive functioning in the real world, although other factors also seem to play a role. There is a need to improve the ecological validity of objective assessments, whilst also recognizing that self-reported cognitive failures tap into a range of factors difficult to assess in the lab, including emotion. Cognitive interventions for at-risk individuals will likely be more beneficial if they address emotional processing alongside other aspects of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Adriel Ong
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Maryann Wei
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
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Unterrassner L, Wyss TA, Wotruba D, Ajdacic-Gross V, Haker H, Rössler W. Psychotic-Like Experiences at the Healthy End of the Psychosis Continuum. Front Psychol 2017; 8:775. [PMID: 28555120 PMCID: PMC5431212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence pointing toward a continuous distribution of psychotic symptoms and accompanying factors between subclinical and clinical populations. However, for the construction of continuum models, a more detailed knowledge of different types of psychotic-like experiences (PLE) and their associations with distress, functional impairment, and demographic variables is needed. We investigated PLE in a sample of healthy adults (N = 206) incorporating the recently developed revised Exceptional Experiences Questionnaire (PAGE-R). For the first time, the PAGE-R was cross validated with PLE, disorganized-, and negative-like symptoms [Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), Physical Anhedonia Scale (PAS)]. We subjected the PAGE-R to exploratory factor analyses and examined the resulting subtypes of EE for specific associations with contextual factors, valence ratings, socio-demographic variables, and general psychological burden (Revised Symptom-Checklist-90). Correlational cross-validation suggested that the PAGE-R measures facets of PLE. Importantly, we (1) identified three types of exceptional experiences (EE): Odd beliefs, dissociative anomalous perceptions, and hallucinatory anomalous perceptions. Further, the results suggested that even in healthy individuals (2) PLE and EE are indicative of reduced functioning, as reflected by increased psychological burden and lower educational achievement. Moreover, (3) similar sex-differences might exist as in psychotic patients with women reporting more positive-like symptoms and EE but less disorganized-like symptoms than men. Importantly, (4) EE might be differentially implicated in psychological functioning. We suggest that the PAGE-R holds the potential to complement the current assessment of sub-clinical psychosis. However, whereas our results might point toward a continuity of psychotic symptoms with EE and normal experiences, they require replication in larger samples as well as equivalence testing across the psychosis continuum. Future analyses incorporating the PAGE-R might shed more light onto mechanisms that are implicated in the progress or resilience toward clinical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lui Unterrassner
- Collegium Helveticum, ETH Zurich and University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas A Wyss
- Collegium Helveticum, ETH Zurich and University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Diana Wotruba
- Collegium Helveticum, ETH Zurich and University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Helene Haker
- Collegium Helveticum, ETH Zurich and University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland.,Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Wulf Rössler
- Collegium Helveticum, ETH Zurich and University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of ZurichZurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlin, Germany
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Zhang LC, Brenner CA. The Factor Structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire in Undergraduate and Community Samples. J Pers Disord 2017; 31:1-15. [PMID: 26845533 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2016_30_233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing theoretical model of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is a three-factor model based on subscale-level analyses. However, recent item-level factor analyses of the SPQ suggest a four- or five-factor model. To examine the factor structure of the SPQ and how this structure may differ between undergraduate and community samples, the authors conducted exploratory and confirmatory item-level factor analyses of this measure on undergraduate (N = 1,850) and community participants (N = 1,464). A clear three-factor solution was found in the community sample, whereas a somewhat equivocal four-factor solution was found in the undergraduate sample. Both structures displayed gender invariance. This is the first study to address the issues of undergraduate sample generalizability and gender invariance in an item-level exploratory factor analysis of the SPQ. Given the disparate findings in the samples, this study indicates the importance of using both community and undergraduate samples when examining the factor structure of the SPQ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen A Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Association of -717A>G Polymorphism in the C-Reactive Protein Gene (CRP) with Schizotypal Personality Traits. Bull Exp Biol Med 2016; 162:86-88. [PMID: 27878726 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-016-3552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Associations between schizotypal traits and genes coding for inflammation markers (Creactive protein and TNF-α) were studied in 222 healthy men who completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-74). CRP -717A>G and TNFα -308 G>A polymorphisms were genotyped. Carriers of low-active allele G of the CRP gene differed from subjects with genotype AA by a trend toward more manifest schizotypal traits in general and scores on the Interpersonal factor, which corresponds to negative syndrome in schizophrenia, and Constricted affect and Odd behavior scales. These results could be interpreted in favor of the hypothesis on a compensatory increase of CRP concentrations in subjects with abnormalities of CNS development that predispose to schizophrenia.
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Yu J, Bernardo ABI, Zaroff CM. Chinese version of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire: Factor structure replication and invariance across sex. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2016; 8:226-37. [PMID: 26440145 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is a self-report measure assessing symptoms of schizotypy. The SPQ has been used in both normative and clinical samples and has much theoretical and empirical support. A three-factor structure of the SPQ, derived on the basis of work in schizophrenia, consisting of Cognitive-Perceptual, Interpersonal, and Disorganized factors, has been well replicated. The present study aimed to (i) validate this three-factor structure in the Chinese version of the SPQ in a sample of individuals of Chinese ethnicity, and (ii) test for invariance across sex. METHODS A total of 209 (99 males) undergraduate university students (Mage = 19.5, SD = 1.6) were administered the SPQ. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a better fit between the data and the three-factor model compared with a one-factor model. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis also found strong measurement invariance across sex. DISCUSSION The current results add to a growing body of literature evidencing cross-cultural validity of the SPQ and its invariance across sex. Research and clinical implications of the current results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Yu
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Clinical Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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Karagiannopoulou L, Karamaouna P, Zouraraki C, Roussos P, Bitsios P, Giakoumaki SG. Cognitive profiles of schizotypal dimensions in a community cohort: Common properties of differential manifestations. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 38:1050-63. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1188890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Jack A, Egan V. Paranoid thinking, cognitive bias and dangerous neighbourhoods: Implications for perception of threat and expectations of victimisation. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2016; 62:123-32. [PMID: 26290397 DOI: 10.1177/0020764015599998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paranoid thinking is prevalent in the non-clinical population and cognitive mechanisms of heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias contributes to its formation and maintenance. AIMS This study investigated the degree to which paranoia, perceived environmental risk, heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias (measured with the beads task) contribute to misinterpretation of neutral stimuli, and whether this informed judgements regarding vulnerability to threat and crime. It is also investigated whether impulsiveness is a confounding factor on the beads task. METHODS Two hundred participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling method for a quantitative cross-sectional study. Participants reported demographic information, three psychometric questionnaires and two experimental tasks via an online paradigm hosted by the Bristol Online Survey tool. RESULTS Participants with high paranoia scores perceived their environment to be more dangerous than those with low scores. Participants with high paranoia scores also overestimated threat in neutral stimuli and had high expectations of future victimisation. Jumping to conclusions on the beads task did not predict fear of crime outcomes, but was predicted by impulsivity. CONCLUSION Participants who demonstrated paranoid thinking were more likely to reside in perceived dangerous neighbourhoods and overestimate threat. While this could indicate a paranoid heuristic, it is a potentially rational response to prior experiences of crime and victimisation. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jack
- Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Vincent Egan
- Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Tsaousis I, Zouraraki C, Karamaouna P, Karagiannopoulou L, Giakoumaki SG. The validity of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire in a Greek sample: Tests of measurement invariance and latent mean differences. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 62:51-62. [PMID: 26343467 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) is a widely used scale for measuring schizotypal characteristics modeled on DSM-III-R criteria for schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). The aim of this study was to examine the factorial structure of the Greek SPQ, its factorial invariance across gender and different age groups and possible gender and age group differences at latent mean level. METHODS Eight hundred sixty-five community participants completed the Greek version of the SPQ. RESULTS With regard to the factorial structure of the original first-order model, the results showed that a seven-factor model (sub-scales "no close friends" with "constricted affect" and "ideas of reference" with "unusual perceptual experiences" were combined) was replicated adequately. Furthermore, the second-order "paranoid" model provided also adequate fit. With regard to the factorial invariance of the SPQ across gender and age, the analysis revealed that both, the first- and second-order models showed measurement invariance (configural, metric and structural) across gender and age groups (17-35 vs. 36-70). Latent mean differences across gender and age groups were also found. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, we can conclude that the Greek version of the SPQ is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring schizotypal characteristics and a useful screening tool for SPD across gender and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsaousis
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece.
| | | | - Penny Karamaouna
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
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Intact speed of processing in a community-based sample of adults with high schizotypy: A marker of reduced psychosis risk? Psychiatry Res 2015; 228:531-7. [PMID: 26117248 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Speed of processing is impaired in schizophrenia but intact in schizotypal college students. In view of this disparity, we investigated whether deficient processing speed was associated with schizotypy in adults from the general community. Data were drawn from the Western Australian Family Study of Schizophrenia, including 216 (non-clinical) adults from the general community, and a reference group with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (N=224). Schizotypal traits were assessed with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, whilst processing speed was assessed with a digit-symbol coding task. Community controls had significantly higher digit symbol coding scores than patients with psychosis. However, both correlational and hierarchical regression analysis indicated a lack of association between Cognitive-perceptual, Interpersonal or Disorganized schizotypy traits and digit symbol coding performance. Relative to Australian norms there was also no evidence of a non-linear decline in coding in high schizotypes in young, mature or senior age groups. The results show that speed of information processing is unimpaired in high schizotypes from the general community. The possibility that intact processing speed in at-risk groups confers protection to psychosis onset is discussed. Assessing the trajectory of processing speed throughout development may provide a useful clinical screening tool to distinguish those at heightened risk of developing psychosis.
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Demographic correlates of attenuated positive psychotic symptoms. Schizophr Res 2015; 166:31-6. [PMID: 25999040 PMCID: PMC4767147 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that the utilization of standardized clinical criteria can enhance prediction of psychosis. These criteria are primarily concerned with the presence and severity of attenuated positive symptoms. Because these symptom criteria are used to derive algorithms for designating clinical high risk (CHR) status and for maximizing prediction of psychosis risk, it is important to know whether the symptom ratings vary as a function of demographic factors that have previously been linked with symptoms in diagnosed psychotic patients. Using a sample of 356 CHR individuals from the NAPLS-II multi-site study, we examined the relation of three sex, age, and educational level, with the severity of attenuated positive symptom scores from the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS). Demographic factors accounted for little of the variance in symptom ratings (5-6%). Older CHR individuals manifested more severe suspiciousness, and female CHR participants reported more unusual perceptual experiences than male participants. Contrary to prediction, higher educational level was associated with more severe ratings of unusual thought content, but less severe perceptual abnormalities. Overall, sex, age and education were modestly related to unusual thought content and perceptual abnormalities, only, suggesting minimal implication for designating CHR status and predicting psychosis-risk.
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van der Tempel J, Alcock JE. Relationships between conspiracy mentality, hyperactive agency detection, and schizotypy: Supernatural forces at work? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Melchers M, Montag C, Markett S, Reuter M. Assessment of empathy via self-report and behavioural paradigms: data on convergent and discriminant validity. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2015; 20:157-71. [PMID: 25530230 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2014.991781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research on empathy has a long tradition in clinical research, as deficits in empathy have been found in many mental disorders. Over decades, a large amount of measures for empathy have been developed, but in many cases these have not been analysed with respect to validity. Therefore, this paper aims to relate various assessment methods for empathy, schizotypy and autistic traits to gain knowledge on their convergent and discriminant validity. METHODS A total of N = 108 participants were tested with two of the most widespread empathy questionnaires (Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Empathy Quotient), two behavioural paradigms (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Cambridge Face-Voice Battery) and a rotation task. Furthermore, questionnaires assessing schizotypal and autistic traits were administered. RESULTS Results indicate convergent validity of the applied empathy self-report measures, although their association with measures of schizotypal and autistic traits is inconsistent. However, results of the behavioural testing barely correlate either with the self-report measures or among each other. CONCLUSIONS The questionnaire measures of empathy seem valid and exchangeable, and therefore suitable for capturing self-reported empathy in clinical research. The behavioural paradigms cover distinct endophenotypes of empathy and should only be used for very specific research questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Melchers
- a Department of Psychology , University of Bonn , Kaiser-Karl-Ring 9, Bonn , Germany
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Park HRP, Kirk IJ, Waldie KE. Neural correlates of creative thinking and schizotypy. Neuropsychologia 2015; 73:94-107. [PMID: 25979607 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Empirical studies indicate a link between creativity and schizotypal personality traits, where individuals who score highly on schizotypy measures also display greater levels of creative behaviour. However, the exact nature of this relationship is not yet clear, with only a few studies examining this association using neuroimaging methods. In the present study, the neural substrates of creative thinking were assessed with a drawing task paradigm in healthy individuals using fMRI. These regions were then statistically correlated with the participants' level of schizotypy as measured by the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE), which is a questionnaire consisting of four dimensions. Neural activations associated with the creativity task were observed in bilateral inferior temporal gyri, left insula, left parietal lobule, right angular gyrus, as well as regions in the prefrontal cortex. This widespread pattern of activation suggests that creative thinking utilises multiple neurocognitive networks, with creative production being the result of collaboration between these regions. Furthermore, the correlational analyses found the Unusual Experiences factor of the O-LIFE to be the most common dimension associated with these areas, followed by the Impulsive Nonconformity dimension. These correlations were negative, indicating that individuals who scored the highest in these factors displayed the least amount of activation when performing the creative task. This is in line with the idea that 'less is more' for creativity, where the deactivation of specific cortical areas may facilitate creativity. Thus, these findings contribute to the evidence of a common neural basis between creativity and schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeme R P Park
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Ian J Kirk
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Karen E Waldie
- Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Predicting psychotic-like experiences during sensory deprivation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:439379. [PMID: 25811027 PMCID: PMC4354964 DOI: 10.1155/2015/439379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to establish the contribution of hallucination proneness, anxiety, suggestibility, and fantasy proneness to psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) reported during brief sensory deprivation. METHOD Twenty-four high and 22 low hallucination-prone participants reported on PLEs occurring during brief sensory deprivation and at baseline. State/trait anxiety, suggestibility, and fantasy proneness were also measured. RESULTS Both groups experienced a significant increase in PLEs in sensory deprivation. The high hallucination prone group reported more PLEs both at baseline and in sensory deprivation. They also scored significantly higher on measures of state/trait anxiety, suggestibility, and fantasy proneness, though these did not explain the effects of group or condition. Regression analysis found hallucination proneness to be the best predictor of the increase in PLEs, with state anxiety also being a significant predictor. Fantasy proneness and suggestibility were not significant predictors. CONCLUSION This study suggests the increase in PLEs reported during sensory deprivation reflects a genuine aberration in perceptual experience, as opposed to increased tendency to make false reports due to suggestibility of fantasy proneness. The study provides further support for the use of sensory deprivation as a safe and effective nonpharmacological model of psychosis.
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Examination of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire among British and Trinidadian adults. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:258275. [PMID: 25699263 PMCID: PMC4324113 DOI: 10.1155/2015/258275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Much debate in schizotypal research has centred on the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), with research variously showing higher-order dimensionality consisting of two to seven dimensions. In addition, cross-cultural support for the stability of those factors remains limited. Here, we examined the factor structure of the SPQ among British and Trinidadian adults. Participants from a White British subsample (n = 351) resident in the UK and from an African Caribbean subsample (n = 284) resident in Trinidad completed the SPQ. The higher-order factor structure of the SPQ was analysed through confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple-group analysis for the model of best fit. Between-group differences for sex and ethnicity were investigated using multivariate analysis of variance in relation to the higher-order domains. The model of best-fit was the four-factor structure, which demonstrated measurement invariance across groups. Additionally, these data had an adequate fit for two alternative models: (a) 3-factor and (b) modified 4-factor model. The British subsample had significantly higher scores across all domains than the Trinidadian group, and men scored significantly higher on the disorganised domain than women. The four-factor structure received confirmatory support and, importantly, support for use with populations varying in ethnicity and culture.
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Speech prosody abnormalities and specific dimensional schizotypy features: are relationships limited to male participants? J Nerv Ment Dis 2014; 202:745-51. [PMID: 25198702 PMCID: PMC4180770 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In schizophrenia, diminished vocal expressivity is associated with lower quality of life. Studies using computerized acoustic analysis of speech have found no evidence of diminished vocal prosody related to categorically defined schizotypy, a subclinical analogue of schizophrenia. However, existing studies have not examined the interaction between schizotypy and sex with vocal prosody measures. The current study examined 44 young adults (50% men) who were recruited to represent a continuous range of schizotypy. Speech samples were digitally recorded during autobiographical narratives and analyzed for prosody. In the male participants, variability of fundamental frequency and variability of intensity were each negatively related to the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) ideas of reference subscale, whereas SPQ suspiciousness was related to a greater number of utterances, and SPQ odd behavior was related to a greater number of pauses. Because the relationships were restricted to men, and not significant in women, the results may explain earlier negative findings with schizotypy.
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Compton MT, Tone EB, Ortuño-Sierra J, Paino M, Fumero A, Lemos-Giráldez S. Cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire across Spanish and American college students. Psychiatry Res 2014; 220:S0165-1781(14)00572-1. [PMID: 25412981 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to examine the cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) (Raine, 1991) in two large samples of Spanish and American young adults. The final sample was made up of 2313 college students (508 men, 22%). Their mean age was 20.5 years (S.D.=3.2). The results indicated that the Stefanis et al. (2004) four-factor model yielded the best goodness-of-fit indices compared to alternative models. Moreover, the results support configural, metric, and partial measurement invariance of the covariances of the SPQ across the two samples. The finding of measurement equivalence across cultures provides essential evidence of construct validity for the schizotypy dimensions and of the cross-cultural validity of SPQ scores. The finding of comparable dimensional structures in cross-cultural samples lends further support to the continuum model of schizotypy and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Future studies should continue to examine the validity of scores on the SPQ and other schizotypy measures and their variation or consistency across cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Spain.
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, GA, USA
| | | | - Mercedes Paino
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Serafín Lemos-Giráldez
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
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