Low-grade psychotic symptoms in a non-clinical population: a study

Low-grade psychotic symptoms have consistently been found to be experienced by members of the general population. Evidence suggests that they are less frequent, intrusive and severe than those experienced by people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Anxiety and depression are two psychosocial factors that have been implicated in the development of these less severe psychotic symptoms. There are many similarities between low-grade psychotic symptoms and the more severe symptoms of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This study explored the pattern of two low-grade psychotic symptoms in a sample of 121 people from a non-clinical population. The analysis of results from measures of anxiety and depression and the dimensions of voice hearing and delusions found a significant relationship between reported levels of anxiety and the presence of voice hearing and delusions. A dimensional approach provides the clearest opportunity to explore the nature of low-grade psychotic symptoms. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.