Demographic correlates of psychotic-like experiences in young Australian adults.

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.