Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
Phenylthiocarbamide perception in patients with schizophrenia and first-degree family members
Paul J Moberg1, David R Roalf, Catherine C Balderston
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. moberg@bbl.med.upenn.edu
Objective:
The inability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) has been associated with medical and neurological illnesses not typically related to taste. The authors examined PTC sensitivity in schizophrenia patients and their non-ill relatives to determine whether this represented a vulnerability marker.
Method:
PTC sensitivity was assessed in 42 schizophrenia patients, 23 healthy comparison subjects, and 12 first-degree relatives of the patients.
Results:
More nontasters were found among patients and family members than healthy comparison subjects. Among patients, nontasters had more positive symptoms. Differences were not explained by sex, age, medication, smoking, or cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of PTC nontasters was greater among schizophrenia patients and non-ill first-degree family members. Phenotypic variation in PTC sensitivity is genetic in origin. This suggests a higher risk for illness among subjects with recessive alleles.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Positive Symptoms Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Hallucinations
Hallucinations in...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
