Syndromes of schizotypy and timing of puberty

Development regressive events such as pruning of synapses are implicated in schizophrenia with both over- and under-connectivity models proposed (Randall, Feinberg, Hoffman). Saugstad theorized that extremes of normal variation in age at puberty distinguish affective psychoses (early maturation) from schizophrenia (late maturation). In normal students we have found a three-factor structure of schizotypy traits (Active, Withdrawn and Unreality) which may parallel three-syndrome models of schizophrenia. Here, in a sample of 161 students we examined relations between schizotypy and extremes in the timing of puberty. Relations were almost exclusively syndromal. Unreality was associated with both extremes when compared with a group of normal maturers. Comparing early with late maturers, early maturing females were found to be Withdrawn, with features of social withdrawal and anhedonia. In contrast, Withdrawn males were late maturers, with features of social withdrawal and social anxiety. In females it was the Active syndrome (odd speech, impulsivity and activity) that was associated with late maturation. The results have relevance for both neurophysiological and social theories of personality, sex differences and psychopathology.