An evolutionary look at oddity and schizotypy: How the rise of social brain informs clinical practice

Abstract

A prominent facet of schizotypy is the recurrence of odd cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. This paper aims to present an evolutionary interpretation of oddity as a risk-minimizing and uniqueness-maximizing strategy for facing the complexity of our hyper-affiliative species. I discuss this hypothesis by exploring the intertwined role of social safety and social cognition in preventing or triggering psychopathology. Since schizotypy is reputed to be a polygenic dimension, its underlying genes are likely involved in both adaptive and maladaptive traits. Consequently, the oddity is presented as both an evolutionary trade-off and a possible advantage in the rise of our complex social brain. The clinical implications of conceptualizing schizotypy and supporting those struggling with maladaptive forms of oddity are discussed.