Changes in appearance and schizotypy in normal subjects.

Abstract

Anecdotal reports suggest that drastic changes in physical appearance may signal psychotic decompensation in schizophrenic patients. The current study sought to explore the association between changes in appearance and psychotic vulnerability in a more systematic fashion. A sample of undergraduates (n = 171) completed the Changes in Appearance Scale (CAS), which assesses frequency and nature of changes in outlook, along with a Schizotypy Scale (STA), the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A modest but significant correlation was found between the CAS and STA scores. For the other symptom measures (MOCI, FQ, and BDI), no association with self-reported changes in physical appearance emerged. Changes in physical appearance are found to be significantly associated to mild (pre)psychotic symptoms.