Abstract
This study examined the underlying structure of DSM-IV schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) among individuals with and without a substance use disorder (SUD). Using a nationally representative sample of US adults, taxometric analyses were conducted on SPD in the total sample and among individuals with and without an SUD. The structure of SPD in the total sample and among individuals without SUDs was dimensional (comparison curve fit indices (CCFI): 0.440 and 0.365) whereas a taxonic structure was demonstrated among individuals with an SUD (CCFI: 0.679). Taxonicity underlying schizotypy and SPD in prior taxometric research may have been the result of sampling high-risk subsamples of the population. Taxometric research on SPD and other personality psychopathology among high-risk subgroups of the population can help elucidate the complex etiology of SPD and the role played by comorbid SUDs in the expressivity of these disorders.
Acknowledgement
The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and should not be construed to represent the views of any of the sponsoring agencies of government.
Funding
This research was supported, in part, by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (5F32DA0364431: Dr. Kerridge) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (U01AA018111, K05AA014223: Dr. Hasin). The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) was funded by the NIAAA, with supplemental support from NIDA. Support also acknowledged from the Intramural Program, NIAAA, National Institutes of Health.