The aim of this study was to investigate dorsolateral prefrontal funct
ion, as assessed by a spatial working memory task, in relation to the
syndromal features of schizotypal personality. We found a weak associa
tion between a self-report measure of schizotypy and the working memor
y performance. Those with a high score on the schizotypal personality
questionnaire tended to make more errors on the spatial working memory
task. One sub-scale of the schizotypal personality questionnaire that
taps into social functioning was significantly correlated with workin
g memory deficit. This result suggests the presence of subtle prefront
al deficit in a sub-group of psychometrically ascertained schizotypic
individuals and renders support for the past reports of working memory
deficit in schizophrenia and schizotypy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.
V.