The Role of Personality in Schizophrenia and Psychosis: A Systematic Review

Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2021 Feb;18(1):28-40. doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20210103.

Abstract

Although personality is a widely discussed topic within the academic field, little is still known about its role in affecting psychopathology, specifically schizophrenia, which can involve psychosis. While the existing literature connects these fields, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge about the relationship between these and the role that personality disorders and traits have on such psychopathology. With the implementation of the AMPD in the DSM-5 and the related assessment of impairment in personality functioning and pathological personality traits, moving from traditional models as the FFM Model of Personality, the present systematic review aims to clarify and summarize the state of the art of the studies regarding this topic. According to the Prisma Statement, literature collection was built based on two databases: PubMed and PsycINFO, and the search focused on recent studies in a period from 2011 to 2020 to check for studies consistent with recent updates. The search process started from 866 articles and ended with 10 selected studies from the two databases, covering years from 2011 to 2020. Studies differ in sample size, measures, aim, and outcome making the present literature review diversified in its content. This review gathers evidence and sheds light on the complexity of these topics and their interconnection. Future studies may be required to clarify the clinical implications of these aspects, aiming at incrementing treatments with a more specific focus on assessment that can provide enhanced preventions.

Keywords: personality traits; premorbid personality; psychosis; schizophrenia; systematic review.