Working memory and the syndromes of schizotypal personality

The aim of this study was to investigate dorsolateral prefrontal function, as assessed by a spatial working memory task, in relation to the syndromal features of schizotypal personality. We found a weak association between a self-report measure of schizotypy and the working memory performance. Those with a high score on the schizotypal personality questionnaire tended to make more errors on the spatial working memory task. One sub-scale of the schizotypal personality questionnaire that taps into social functioning was significantly correlated with working memory deficit. This result suggests the presence of subtle prefrontal deficit in a sub-group of psychometrically ascertained schizotypic individuals and renders support for the past reports of working memory deficit in schizophrenia and schizotypy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.