Neurological soft signs in individuals with schizotypal personality features

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2010 Sep;44(9):800-4. doi: 10.3109/00048674.2010.482920.

Abstract

Objective: The current study attempted to examine the prevalence of neurological soft signs and their relationships with schizotypal traits in individuals with psychometrically defined schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) features.

Method: Sixty-four individuals with SPD-proneness and 51 without SPD-proneness were recruited for the present study. The soft signs subscales of the Cambridge Neurological Inventory were administered to all participants; the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) was administered to SPD-proneness and non-SPD-proneness participants.

Results: The SPD-proneness participants demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of soft signs than those without SPD-proneness. SPQ subscales were significantly associated with ratings of motor coordination, sensory integration and total soft signs.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that neurological soft signs are trait markers of schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Endophenotypes*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Personality Inventory
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychometrics
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult