Childhood abuse and schizotypal personality.

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting an association between early adverse events and an increased prevalence of sub-clinical psychotic phenomena. These 'schizotypal' beliefs and experiences have been associated with a history of trauma, and are also recognised as a risk factor for the transition to psychosis. However, previous studies have not investigated the associations between specific types of adverse event and the distinct dimensions of such phenomena.

METHODS: An internet questionnaire produced three groups of participants who had suffered discrete forms of childhood abuse.

RESULTS: Individuals who had suffered physical or sexual abuse exhibited higher levels of paranoia/suspiciousness and unusual perceptual experiences, but not magical thinking. Individuals who had suffered emotional abuse did not show higher scores within any of these three measures of schizotypy.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest the need for further research to improve the specificity of the identification of individuals who may be at risk of a transition to psychosis.