Early Motor Developmental Milestones and Schizotypy in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Study 1966.

Svetlana Filatova,Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen,Golam M Khandaker,Tanja Nordström,Kristiina Moilanen,Estelle Lowry,Tuula Hurtig,Jouko Miettunen

doi:10.1093/schbul/sbx165

Abstract

Delayed motor developmental milestones have been reported to be associated with schizophrenia in previous studies, but no study has examined the relationship between early motor developmental milestones and schizotypy. We have examined this relationship in a prospective birth cohort.In the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, data on 9 early motor developmental milestones were collected prospectively from visits to child welfare centers, and data on adult schizotypy were collected through a questionnaire (N = 4557–4674). Positive schizotypy was measured by the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS), negative schizotypy was measured by Physical Anhedonia Scale (PhAS) and Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS). Three related scales were included: Schizoidia Scale (SCHD), Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS), and Bipolar II Scale (BIP2). We examined the milestone–schizotypy associations before and after excluding cases of schizophrenia from this population-based sample. Hierarchical regression analyses adjusted for covariates and separately for both genders were performed. In men, each extra month of delay in achievement of touching thumb with index finger, sitting unsupported, standing up, walking with support, or walking unsupported was associated with an increase in PAS, PhAS, or SCHD scores, or decrease in BIP2 score (P < .05). In women, each extra month of delay in achievement of turning from back to tummy was associated with an increase in PhAS and SAS scores (P < .05). Schizotypy is associated with delayed motor developmental milestones in early-life, but there is some heterogeneity with regards to types of milestones and gender. These findings suggest delayed motor development confers risk across the continuum of schizophrenia syndrome.

Highlights

The link between schizotypy and motor abnormalities has been suggested based on several findings
Genetic findings indicate, for instance, that schizotypy traits measured by Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS), Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS), Physical Anhedonia Scale (PhAS), and Schizoidia Scale (SCHD) were associated with alleles in DISC1 gene related to schizophrenia.[12]
Note: Adjusted for parental psychoses, parental age, place of residence and father’s socioeconomic status. 95% CI, 95% confidence interval; PAS, Perceptual Aberration Scale; PhAS, Physical Anhedonia Scale; SAS, Social Anhedonia Scale; SCHD, Schizoidia Scale; BIP2, Bipolar 2 Scale

Summary

Introduction

The link between schizotypy and motor abnormalities has been suggested based on several findings. Among that evidence is higher prevalence of neurological soft signs in individuals with either psychometrically identified schizotypy[1] or proneness to schizotypal personality disorder (SPD).[2] excessive motor force and its higher variability have been found during experimental tasks in adults with SPD.[3] poor motor performance on the line drawing task has been linked with psychometrically measured schizotypy.[4] While there is some evidence on the association between early-life events (ie, placental weight, birth weight, head circumference, etc.) and schizotypy,[5] research regarding the early risk factors of schizotypy have remained scarce. Genetic findings indicate, for instance, that schizotypy traits measured by Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS), Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS), Physical Anhedonia Scale (PhAS), and Schizoidia Scale (SCHD) were associated with alleles in DISC1 gene related to schizophrenia.[12] This and other early-life period findings suggest the link between schizophrenia and schizotypy

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