Positive schizotypy is not associated with speech abnormality

This study examined whether speech abnormalities typical of formal thought disorder in schizophrenia vary with the degree of positive schizotypy in the healthy population. We hypothesized that participants with high levels of positive schizotypy would show greater abnormality in speech relative to those with low levels of positive schizotypy.

Participants (n=107) were prescreened with a positive schizotypy scale. Those meeting criteria for either high (n=23) or low (n=27) schizotypy provided speech samples which were assessed with a clinical though disorder rating scale (Thought and Language Index) for the presence of abnormality.

No significant differences were found in positive (P=0.25) or negative (P=0.21) speech abnormality between the high and low schizotypy groups.

Although schizotypy is normally distributed in the general population, speech abnormality is not. Thus, the presence of aberrations in speech may predict risk of psychosis. Potential implications for risk assessment are discussed.