Strong mixed-handedness in schizophrenia

Abstract

There is still considerable discussion of whether schizophrenia is a lateralized brain disorder. In fact, schizophrenic patients appear to exhibit a shift away from dexterity, as confirmed by the majority of the 23 publications dealing with this question (14 positive, seven null, two paradoxical). However, quite a few of these positive studies have distinguished between left-handedness and mixed-handedness (MH), thus lacking specificity. Whereas prior studies failed to specify schizophrenic MH, we could observe a significant relationship between strong MH and schizophrenia in male patients in a relatively small group due to sex differentiation and accurate application of Annett's hand preference questionnaire.

• Schizophrenia
• laterality
• mixed-handedness
• Annett′s hand preference questionnaire