The relationship between mentalization and the symptoms of subclinical schizophrenia and affective spectrum disorders

It is a well-known fact that the subclinical versions of schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum’s key symptoms can be detected in healthy individuals. The fully dimensional model of schizotypy is a strongly biologically determined personality phenomenon and a diagnostic category in contemporary psychiatric classifications. Cyclothymia is defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms; however, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a bipolar disorder.Our research aimed to determine the relationship between the subclinical symptoms of the two major psychosis spectrum and the mentalization functions. In our studies, 100 people without psychiatric diagnosis participated (58% men, mean age: 36.7 years, mean IQ: 102). We have quantified the subclinical subjective experiences and temperament traits in O-LIFE (Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences) and TEMPS-A (Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire) questionnaires, which results were compared with the data of the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ). Multivariate regression analysis, variance analysis, and cluster analysis were used for statistical tests. According to our results: cyclothymic signs, unusual experiences, and introvertive anhedonia showed significant correlation. There also was a significant correlation with the mentalization score (p < 0.01) along all three symptom dimensions. We identified two clusters: one with high mentalization skills and low subclinical traits, the other with weaker mentalization skills and higher subclinical traits. In conclusion, the subclinical features of schizophrenia and the affective spectrum in the non-clinical population show a marked correlation. These are non-specifically related to mentalization ability.