Original Articles

Childhood Adversity, Mental Disorder Comorbidity, and Suicidal Behavior in Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Lentz, Vanessa MD, MSc^*; Robinson, Jennifer MA^†; Bolton, James M. MD, FRCPC^*

Departments of *Psychiatry and †Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Supported by an operating grant and Establishment Award from the Manitoba Health Research Council (to J.M.B.), and a graduate studentship from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (to J.R.).

Send reprint requests to Jennifer Robinson, MA, PZ430–771 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3N4, Canada. E-mail: [email protected].

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 198(11):p 795-801, November 2010. | DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181f9804c

Abstract

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is a serious and relatively common psychiatric disorder, yet remains understudied among the personality disorders. The current study examines the psychiatric correlates of SPD in a representative epidemiologic sample, utilizing data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 34,653). Multiple logistic regression compared people with SPD to the general population across a broad range of childhood adversities, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and suicidal behavior. SPD was strongly associated with many adverse childhood experiences. After adjusting for confounding factors, SPD was independently associated with major depression and several anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Interestingly, SPD was more strongly associated with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders than cluster A personality disorders. Individuals with SPD were also more likely to attempt suicide. As a whole, these results suggest that individuals with SPD experience significant morbidity and may be at increased risk of mortality.