THE NEUREGULIN-1 GENE IS ASSOCIATED WITH SCHIZOTYPY IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

Abstract

BackgroundIt is believed that the personality characteristics and symptoms observed in schizophrenia lie on a continuum, with subclinical symptoms referred to as schizotypy. The continuum theory of schizophrenia recognises schizotypy as a suitable model for investigating schizophrenia: individuals with high levels of schizotypy demonstrate similar symptoms, cognitive profiles and neuroimaging findings to schizophrenia, albeit in a more subtle manner, without the potential confounding factors associated with schizophrenia. Both schizophrenia and schizotypy have been shown to be influenced by genetic factors. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), involved in neuronal development, migration, myelination and syn..