Interpersonal sensitivity in the at-risk mental state for psychosis in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction

Interpersonal sensitivity can be explained as a personality trait in which there is an excessive and expanded awareness of the behavior and emotions of others. Individuals having high interpersonal sensitivity are sensitive to interpersonal relationships and self-deficiencies in comparison to others. Studies report that high interpersonal sensitivity can cause low self-esteem and feelings of insecurity.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the level of interpersonal sensitivity in individuals with an at-risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis compared to the individuals not at risk for psychosis.

Methods

A total sample of 50 individuals was recruited from Bahria University, Karwan-e-Hayat and Karachi Psychiatric Hospital: 25 with ARMS for psychosis 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

Results showed that the group with ARMS had a significantly higher interpersonal sensitivity on average (112.5) as compared to healthy individuals (91.8). Results show significant difference in both of the groups (t = –5.049; P < .0001) indicating that interpersonal sensitivity in people with ARMS was relatively high compared to those who were not at risk.

Conclusion

This study suggests that being ‘hypersensitive’ to interpersonal interactions is a psychological feature of the potentially prodromal phase of psychosis. Addressing difficulties in interpersonal relationships and offering early psychotherapeutic interventions can be beneficial, not only in averting serious illness, but preventing loss to individual and national productivity.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.