Minor Physical Anomalies and the Specific Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a three-factor structure consisting of positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms. In addition to the symptoms of the disorder, individuals also present with several cognitive deficits. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have also been observed to have minor physical anomalies (MPAs), which are slight differences in the dermis, cartilaginous, and bone structures. The research connecting these MPAs to symptoms and cognitive deficits is limited. Most studies have examined the total number of MPAs present, and not the severity by which they are expressed, and ratings of symptoms. This research aimed to link the severity-specific MPAs seen in schizophrenia to the severity of specific symptoms and cognition by quantitatively measuring MPAs. This study did not find significant relations between MPA severity and symptom ratings nor cognition. Interesting trends were present for hair whorl placement and the gap between the first and second toes. Post-natal injuries in MPA areas were not assessed. This study used hand tools for the measurement of MPAs and missing data for individuals reduced the sample size for individual tests. The sample size of this study was found to be underpowered to find significant differences if any exist.