The Odyssean personality. A survival advantage for carriers of genes predisposing to schizophrenia?

Abstract

To explain the persistence of schizophrenia in human populations at relatively high and constant rates, it is proposed that the schizoid-paranoid personality (designated as the Odyssean personality) which characterizes so many nonpsychotic relatives of schizophrenics, represents a selective advantage. It is assumed that odyssean relatives carry the gene or genes predisposing to schizophrenia, but not in sufficient quantity for the development of the psychosis. It is suggested that because of their schizoid-paranoid out-look, Odysseans have an increased probability of contributing to the gene pool of succeeding generations since, in a world plagued by terror, strife, and war, they, rather than their trusting peers, are the ones more likely to survive long enough to ensure the survival of their progeny.