Patterns of cognitive asymmetry and psychosis proneness.

We previously reported evidence in university students of three syndromes of schizotypy which have strong affinities with three-syndrome models of schizophrenia. As in schizophrenia two of the syndromes were associated with opposite hemispheric asymmetry patterns: an Active syndrome with a left > right asymmetry, and a Withdrawn syndrome with a right > left asymmetry. The third Unreality syndrome bore no consistent relation to pattern of asymmetry. Cognitive asymmetry was measured by comparing recognition memory for words with memory for unfamiliar faces using a neuropsychological test which assesses temporoparietal functions. Here the same approach was extended to the broader concept of psychosis proneness with a new inventory with four subscales: Introvertive Anhedonia, Impulsive Nonconformity. Unusual Experiences, and Cognitive Disorganisation. In support of the relevance of an activation dimension to cognitive asymmetry, Impulsive Nonconformity was associated with word > face superiority, as was a self report measure of Energy. Introvertive Anhedonia was associated with face > word superiority. As in schizophrenia these predicted asymmetry relations were significant in males only. Neither the Unusual Experiences nor Cognitive Disorganisation subscales were associated with cognitive asymmetry.