People with high schizotypy experience more illusions in the Pattern Glare Test: Consistent with the hyperexcitability hypothesis.
Wendy A Torrens, Jenna N Pablo, Jorja Shires, Sarah M Haigh, Marian E Berryhill
European Journal of Neuroscience December 21, 2022 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15886 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 913 |
| Population | Non-clinical adults recruited online and measured for schizophrenia-like traits (schizotypy) |
| Measures | Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Revised (SPQ-BR), Pattern Glare Test |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Humans Illusions Schizotypal personality disorder Schizophrenia Surveys and questionnaires Visual illusion Schizotypy Hyperexcitability Pattern glare test |
| Key findings | Higher schizotypy traits were associated with reporting more illusions in the Pattern Glare Test, and the disorganized factor of the SPQ-BR significantly predicted the number of illusions. The authors argue these results illustrate the potential for non-clinical samples to inform clinically relevant research. |
Abstract
Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) exhibit a constellation of sensory and perceptual impairments, including hyporeactivity to external input. However, individuals with SSD also report subjective experiences of sensory flooding, suggesting sensory hyperexcitability. To identify the extent to which behavioural indices of hyperexcitability are related to non-psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, we tested a non-clinical population measured for schizophrenia-like traits (schizotypy), and a behavioural measure of sensory hyperexcitability, specifically the number of illusions seen in the Pattern Glare Test. Two samples totaling 913 individuals completed an online version of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire - Brief Revised (SPQ-BR) and the Pattern Glare Test. Individuals with higher schizotypy traits reported more illusions in the Pattern Glare Test. Additionally, one of the three SPQ-BR factors, the disorganized factor, significantly predicted the number of illusions reported. These data illustrate the potential for research in non-clinical samples to inform clinically relevant research.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders Patients with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 1992 | Observational cohort | n = 22 |
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| Patterning of Cognitive and Somatic Processes in the Self-Regulation of Anxiety: Effects of Meditation versus Exercise Regular practitioners of physical exercise or meditation | 1978 | Retrospective study | n = 77 |
| Dynamic coupling of whole-brain neuronal and neurotransmitter systems Healthy humans | 2020 | Observational study | |
| Psychedelics not linked to mental health problems or suicidal behavior: A population study Randomly selected United States adults | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 135,095 |