Subtypes of Psychotic-Like Experiences and Their Significance for Mental Health

Abstract

More recently, the interest in studying subclinical psychosis has increased, as it might provide critical information regarding mechanisms that are implicated in the exacerbation of subclinical symptoms and the maintenance of mental health. However, psychosis research has tended to focus on clinical outcomes and not to differentiate between subtypes of psychotic-like experiences (PLE) that might differ regarding their psychopathological significance. Importantly, this might have obscured a more accurate picture of the complex structure of psychosis and the significance of particular risk and protective factors. Notably, while studies point toward a continuity of psychotic experiences and accompanying factors across the general population, there is evidence indicating that some PLE in healthy individuals might also be associated with a weaker expression of other subclinical symptoms, increased well-being and even resilience to some degree. Importantly, such findings might have implications on strategies in psychosis prevention and therapy, early detection, as well as the construction of continuum models of psychosis. The present chapter aims at drawing together findings that necessitate a more differentiated view and assessment of PLE. It intends to provoke new questions that might offer starting points for future investigations, such as longitudinal studies investigating the interplay of subclinical symptoms.