title: Hand-preference and population schizotypy: a meta-analysis.
abstract: Language functions in schizophrenia patients are represented more bilateral, i.e. less lateralized than in healthy subjects. This decreased lateralization is also observed in individuals at increased risk for schizophrenia. Language lateralization is related to handedness; in that left- and mixed-handed individuals more frequently have decreased lateralization in comparison to right-handed subjects. Population schizotypy can be considered part of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In line with this, population schizotypy has repeatedly, though inconsistently, been associated with left-handedness. In order to define the exact association between handedness and schizotypy, we performed meta-analyses on the available literature. We found that non-right-handed subjects, but not strong left-handers, had higher scores on schizotypy questionnaires than right-handed subjects. Mixed-handers showed a trend towards higher schizotypy in comparison to strong left-handers. It is argued that the higher schizotypy in non-right-handed individuals reflects the higher incidence of bilateral language lateralization in this group. Bilateral language organisation may underlie loosening of association, possibly leading to higher schizotypy scores.
authors.affiliation: Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, B01.206, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. M.Somers@umcutrecht.nl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Somers
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Boks
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kahn
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012016:Reference Values; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires