Interpersonal Sensitivity in Youth for the At-Risk Mental State for Psychosis in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Individuals having high interpersonal sensitivity are sensitive to relationships and self-deficits in comparison to others. Studies report that high interpersonal sensitivity can cause low self-esteem and feelings of insecurity. The objective of the study was to assess the interpersonal sensitivity in people with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis compared to the individuals not at risk. A total sample of 50 individuals aged 18 to 35 years was recruited from Bahria University, Karwan- e-Hayat and Karachi Psychiatric Hospital: 25 with ARMS and 25 participants who were not ARMS, according to scores on Schizophrenia Proneness Inventory-Adult (SPI-A). All of the participants then responded to self-report questionnaire on Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure. Results showed a significant difference (p< .001), between both the groups where individuals screened positive for ARMS reported higher sensitivity to interpersonal relations compared to those who were not at risk. The findings of the present study indicate that increased sensitivity to social interactions is a manifestation of the potentially early phase of psychosis. Early intervention to those identified as sensitive to interpersonal relations can help avert serious disorders.