title: Dimensionality vs taxonicity of schizotypy: some new data and challenges ahead.
abstract: Heterogeneity in the expression of schizotypy may arise from underlying dimensional processes or a taxonic population structure. In a 2-phase study, we tested the taxonicity of self-reported schizotypy within a general psychiatric sample (n = 109) and examined taxon validity by testing its association with clinical schizotaxia in follow-up subsamples. Taxometric analyses indicated a taxonic structure (schizotypy prevalence = 38.8%) provided the best description of the underlying population distribution. After a year, schizotypal (n = 14) and nonschizotypal (n = 14) subsamples returned for diagnosis of clinical schizotaxia by assessment of executive functioning, attention, memory, and negative symptoms. Seven patients met diagnostic criteria, all members of the schizotypy class. Schizotypy was associated with impaired attention and memory, more negative symptoms, poorer global functioning, and more extensive psychiatric histories. We reconcile inconsistencies in the literature by discussing threats to the validity of this and similar research on Meehl's taxonomic model of schizotypy, including conceptual limitations of the lexical hypothesis and conventions of factor analysis. Scrutiny of Meehl's model should involve disambiguation and better measurement of the schizotaxia-schizotypy phenotype.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Porirua CMHT, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand;
authors: Kirsty V
authors: KV
authors: Everett
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands linscott@psy.otago.ac.nz.
authors: Richard J
authors: RJ
authors: Linscott
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: latent variable modeling; negative symptoms; neuropsychological impairment; schizophrenia; schizotaxia; schizotypal personality; taxometrics