A quantitative genetic analysis of schizotypal personality traits

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291703007906
• Publication Date: 2004-07-12T10:13:44Z
• Authors: Y. M. LINNEY; R. M. MURRAY; E. R. PETERS; A. M. MacDONALD; F. RIJSDIJK; P. C. SHAM
• Keywords: Anhedonia; Schizotypal personality disorder

Background. Previous twin studies investigating the heritability of schizotypy have often had limited power and failed to measure disorganization/social anxiety component. Method. Seven hundred thirty-three female pairs, drawn from Institute Psychiatry Volunteer Twin Register, completed Oxford–Liverpool Inventory Feelings Experiences Peters et al . Delusions Inventory. Structural equation modelling was carried out on scores for MZ DZ pairs. Results. The best fitting models all scales comprised additive genetic unique environmental effects. Heritability estimated at approximately 50% most scales, although it lower 37% PDI scale. Multivariate structural model revealed a best-fitting in which influences act through single common pathway Cognitive Disorganization, Unusual PDI, separate Disorganization Introvertive Anhedonia. Conclusions. various components are moderately heritable. indicates that least two latent factor structures required account covariation between schizotypy. positive negative relatively genetically independent, each turn may be related Disorganization.