Association between psychological distress and schizotypy in adults: A cross-sectional study

Background: Schizotypy refers to a personality type characterized by behavioral and cognitive abnormalities similar in nature but less severe than those of schizophrenia. Schizotypy often progresses to schizophrenia, so identifying risk factors may facilitate early schizophrenia diagnosis and improve treatment. Psychological distress may be associated with schizotypy, highlighting its importance. However, the link between psychological distress and schizotypy remains unclear.

Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress in a Japanese adult population using internet-based questionnaires. Schizotypy was assessed using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief and psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between psychological distress and schizotypy after adjusting for numerous potential confounding variables.

Results: Among 6632 participants, 225 were classified with schizotypy (3.39%, 89 females [39.6%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors revealed that participants with psychological distress were significantly more likely to exhibit signs of schizotypy than those without psychological distress (adjusted odd ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-4.59).

Conclusions: The emergence of schizotypy in adults is strongly associated with psychological distress. This finding emphasizes the need for physicians to carefully, thoroughly, and routinely assess psychological distress in adults. Longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the causal relationship between schizotypy and psychological distress.