Schizotypy and Schizotypic Psychopathology: Theory, Evidence, and Future Directions

Abstract

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the concept of schizotypy and its relationship to schizotypic psychopathology as well as schizophrenia. The derivation of the schizotypy model is traced through early clinical observations of the biological relativity of schizophrenia patients as well as schizotypic patients presenting for treatment to modern biological, genetic, psychometric, neurocognitive, and longitudinal follow-up studies. The theoretical formulations of Rado, Meehl, and others are explicated and used as a framework to organize empirical research findings on schizotypic psychopathology. A wide array of results suggests that schizotypy can be defined as the latent liability for schizophrenia, one expressing itself variably from subtle indicators detectable with sensitive laboratory measures through a range of phenotypically discernible schizotypic pathologies. Considerable attention is given to the meaning of the term “schizotypy” and how it is used in psychopathology research, with particular importance placed on the centrality of the liability for schizophrenia concept. Areas in need of additional research are highlighted, and potentially fruitful avenues for such research are suggested.