M52. Predictive Influences of Cognitive-Perceptual Experiences in Schizotypy: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach

Abstract

Background:The schizotypal construct has been postulated to be on the continuum of psychosis. It has also been hypothesized to be part of the genetic diathesis where elevated schizotypal traits have been found in nonaffected relatives. Early evidence show high schizotypal traits, discriminated between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and depression, and increased risk of developing psychosis. Methods: One thousand twelve healthy controls and 94 DSM-IV-diagnosed schizophrenia participants were administered the 74-item Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Each SPQ domain was standardized against the healthy controls reference group, and adjusted for age and gender. Nonparametric and generalized linear models analyses were carried out. Results: Univariate Mann-Whitney U tests indicate significant differences on all SPQ domains between schizophrenia and healthy controls (P < .0001). Multivariate generalized linear models demonstrated that a 1 SD increase in SPQ total scores resulted in participants being 2.259 times (P < .0001, 95% CI: 1.916 ~ 2.662), more likely to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Followed by Unusual Perceptions (OR: 1.696, 95% CI: 1.403 ~ 2.051, P < .0001) and Odd behavior (OR: 1.578, 95% CI: 1.240 ~ 2.009, P < .0001). Odd speech was protective, there is 53% (OR: 0.652, 95% CI: 0.470 ~ 0.905, P = .011) less likelihood of having a diagnosis of schizophrenia for each SD increase. Conclusion: Findings broadly supports the hypothesis that schizophrenia individuals fall on the continuum of psychosis defined by schizotypal traits. Nonetheless, schizotypal domains differentially delineate the groups. Deficiency is not generalized; the notion of a "healthy" schizotype could be supported. Further work with larger and more diverse clinical samples is warranted.