Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies report skin conductance (SC) abnormalities in both patients with schizophrenia and psychosis-prone individuals. However, no studies have assessed SC abnormalities in relation to specific psychotic and emotional symptoms. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between SC orienting response and hallucination proneness, delusional ideation, anxiety and self-focused attention in non-clinical individuals. METHOD: Forty-three participants were recruited and divided into two groups depending upon the SC habituation profile. Normal habituators (n=28) and slow habituators (n=15) were compared on measures of psychosis proneness, anxiety and self-focused attention. RESULTS: Slow habituators had significantly higher levels of delusional ideation and hallucination proneness than the normal habituators. SC habituation scores were particularly associated with the conviction of delusional ideas. Levels of anxiety or self-focused attention did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence of 'aetiological continuity'. Common mechanisms may contribute to psychotic experiences in non-clinical and clinical samples, consistent with the notion of a psychosis continuum.

Original publication

DOI

10.1017/S0033291706009615

Type

Journal article

Journal

Psychol Med

Publication Date

04/2007

Volume

37

Pages

577 - 582

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Affect, Anxiety Disorders, Arousal, Attention, Delusions, Female, Galvanic Skin Response, Habituation, Psychophysiologic, Hallucinations, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Psychotic Disorders, Surveys and Questionnaires, Time Factors