Schizotypal personality models

‘Schizotypy’ is a multidimensional construct referring to a range of biologically determined personality factors, reflected in cognitive style and perceptual experiences that manifest as subclinical levels of psychotic-like behaviours in otherwise psychologically healthy individuals (Claridge, 1985). Recent epidemiological studies provide support for the continuity of psychotic experience in the general population (see Hanssen et al., 2005; Johns and van Os, 2001; van Os et al., 2000, 2001), observed as oddities of belief, behaviour, eccentricities, idiosyncratic speech, peculiar ideas, and social awkwardness or aversion (Siever et al., 1993). While these schizotypal personality features may represent a dimensional susceptibility to clinically psychotic behaviour, the precise relationship of schizotypy with clinical disorders such as schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is a matter ...