Schizotypal disorder in university students: extended clinical, personality and psychological characteristics
Background. The diagnosis of schizotypal disorder still remains an alarming nosologic phenomenon for many specialists. The adaptation level in persons with such disorder requires further investigation, especially in those who are trying to get higher education. Aim. To study the prevalence of this disorder among girls studying at higher education institutions; to reveal statistically significant differences of personality traits, tendency to professional burnout and autoaggressive partners among groups of girls suffering and not suffering from schizotypal disorder. Materials and Methods. SPQ, TCI-125, MBI questionnaires as well as author’s questionnaire including some personality characteristics, have been filled in by 381 respondents. Schizotypal disorder according to SPQ test has been diagnosed in 41 girls; the control group included 50 girls not suffering from this disorder. Statistical analysis and data processing were performed using parametric and nonparametric methods of mathematical statistics. Results. According to the data of our study the disorder prevalence is 1.7%. The respondents did not have many mentally ill relatives, but they more often sought medical attention in mental health specialists comparing to the control group (29.2% and 10% respectively, p=0.018). Persons with schizotypal disorder significantly more often develop suicidal thoughts (60.9% versus 18%, p<0.000) and the sense of frustration (80.4% versus 38%, p<0.000). The common quantitative index based on burnout syndrome parameters is an integral index, and its values are higher in subjects of the study group (0.56 comparing to 0.46 in the control group, p<0.000). Conclusions. The studied group has a greater tendency to develop professional burnout and has an essential autoaggressive potential, it undoubtedly being of practical interest for the workers of suicidological service, HR-management and public health organizations.