Abstract

Objective: Schizotypy is conceptualized on the spectrum of schizophrenia spectrum, but is seldom studied with schizophrenia. We investigated whether individuals endorsing schizotypy traits exhibit P300 amplitude and power more similar to deficits in those with schizophrenia or more similar to healthy controls. Method: Participants consisted of 109 individuals, 63 females, ages 18 to 64, (M = 30.98 years, SD = 9.9 years). P300 was elicited with an auditory oddball task, and peak amplitude & latency as well as power within the peak window within the delta, theta, alpha, beta & gamma frequencies were calculated. Schizophrenia symptom severity was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and schizotypy was measured using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Results: P300 amplitudes were reduced in individuals with schizophrenia, and those with schizotypy exhibited amplitudes that were intermediate between those with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Delta power was lower in individuals with schizophrenia but not those with schizotypy. Alternatively, alpha power was lower in those with schizotypy but not those with schizophrenia. Conclusion: Schizotypy shares some biological similarities with schizophrenia. Growing evidence that schizotypy has neurophysiological underpinnings may help reduce maladaptive cognitions arising from misperceiving schizotypy as wholly behavioral and controllable, and encourage focus on education, adapting, and improving function.

Keyword: P300, power, electroencephalography, schizotypy, schizophrenia

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Clinical Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Colleen A. Brenner

Second Advisor

Patricia M. Flynn

Third Advisor

Elizabeth Preston Cisneros

Fourth Advisor

David A. Vermeersch

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2021

Date (Title Page)

5-2021

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Schizophrenia; Schizotypy (Psychology); Electroencephalography; P300 (Neuroscience); Brain waves

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

viii, 107 p.

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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