Minor Physical Abnormalities in adolescent sample

Minor physical abnormalities (MPA) are subtle dysmorphic features associated with no or little functional consequences. Most MPA develop during the first gestational trimester and are believed to be valuable indices of neuroectodermal disturbances emerging during early brain development. Higher prevalence of MPA in schizophrenia patients and their relatives was confirmed. These findings are is in line with neurodevelopmental schizophrenia hypothesis. Recently neurodevelopmental etiological component was also proposed for anorexia nervosa. Aim of the current study was assessment of MPA prevalence in adolescent inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and anorexia nervosa (AN) in comparison to healthy controls (HC). MPA were assessed with Waldrop MPA Scale. In both patients groups mean MPA total score as well as mean head subscore was significantly higher than in healthy controls. No statistically significant differences between SSD and AN groups was observed. In all three groups most common abnormalities included large gap between first and second toe and low-seated ears. The MPA profile was similar in all three groups. These results are confirm both schizophrenia and anorexia neurodevelopmental hypotheses and may also be considered consistent with psychosis continuum concept. Associations between delusional anorexia subtype and schizophrenia may also be discussed. Nevertheless the results should not be overgeneralized and further studies, including other subgroups of SSD and AN patients are warranted.