Cognitive insight and schizotypy in non-clinical adolescents

Abstract

Cognitive insight is a metacognitive construct that has been shown to be useful in detecting vulnerability to schizophrenia spectrum disorders and, in particular to schizotypy. The main purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between the cognitive insight and schizotypy in a sample of non-clinical adolescents, and to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the cognitive insight in differentiating vulnerability to schizotypy. Participants were non-clinical adolescents selected by cluster sampling (school), with random group-class selection. The Cognitive Insight Scale and the Esquizo-Q-A were used. Results: We found a different cognitive insight profile from that found in previous studies, with a lower score in self-reflection and a higher score in self-certainty. Self-reflection and the composite index would allow us to classify participants with risk scores in distortion of reality and interpersonal disorganization. The cognitive insight would be a useful construct for detecting vulnerability to schizotypy in non-clinical adolescents and would allow the design of effective interventions.