Demographic correlates of psychotic-like experiences in young Australian adults

Abstract

Objective: Psychotic-like experiences (PLE) in the general community are common. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and demographic correlates of PLE in young adults.

Method: The sample consisted of 2441 subjects aged 18–23 years. Subjects completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and the 21-item Peters Delusional Inventory (PDI). Associations between age, gender, hallucinations and delusions were examined using logistic regression.

Results: Both CIDI hallucinations and delusions predicted high scores on the PDI. Younger age was significantly associated with endorsement of CIDI delusions [odds ratio (OR) = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.92) and with PDI total scores (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.55–0.83). Women were significantly more likely to endorse items related to hallucinations (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.14–1.95) but not delusions.

Conclusion: PLE are common in young adults. The mechanisms underpinning the age and gender gradients in PLE may provide clues to the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders.