Date of Submission
2009
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP
First Advisor
Barbara Golden, Psy.D., ABPP, Chairperson
Second Advisor
Brad Rosenfield, Psy.D.
Third Advisor
Monica E. Calkins, Ph.D.
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a devastating illness, with clinical symptoms generally characterized as positive or negative. The reach of SCZ is broad, significantly impacting economic, social and familial facets of life. Current literature suggested optimal treatment for individuals with SCZ must include medication management and family psychological interventions to achieve patient stabilization. Literature has identified a likely familial and genetic link between individuals with SCZ and schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) in first-degree family members (FDFM), and has proposed a similar sex distinction with regard to symptomatology in STPD often noted in SCZ. The results of this investigation yielded clinically significant information; however, none of the study hypotheses was supported. Sex differences were not observed between relatives, compared with healthy comparison participants: male parents compared with female parents, and siblings compared with comparison subjects. A noteworthy finding was that relatives, including siblings, were found to endorse more symptoms significantly consistent with STPD when compared with healthy comparison subjects in all analyses. Implications for training and treatment were discussed. Limitations of the study and directions for future research were also addressed.
Recommended Citation
Duncan-Ramos, Alexandra, "Sex Differences in Symptom Presentation of Schizotypal Personality Disorder in First-Degree Family Members of Individuals with Schizophrenia" (2009). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 40.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/40