RESEARCH ARTICLE Data Gathering Bias: Trait Vulnerability to Psychotic Symptoms?

Background Jumping to conclusions (JTC) is associated with psychotic disorder and psychotic symp-toms. If JTC represents a trait, the rate should be (i) increased in people with elevated levels of psychosis proneness such as individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and (ii) show a degree of stability over time. Methods The JTC rate was examined in 3 groups: patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), BPD patients and controls, using the Beads Task. PANSS, SIS-R and CAPE scales were used to assess positive psychotic symptoms. Four WAIS III subtests were used to assess IQ. Results A total of 61 FEP, 26 BPD and 150 controls were evaluated. 29 FEP were revaluated after one year. 44 % of FEP (OR = 8.4, 95 % CI: 3.9–17.9) displayed a JTC reasoning bias versus 19 % of BPD (OR = 2.5, 95 % CI: 0.8–7.8) and 9 % of controls. JTC was not associated with level of psychotic symptoms or specifically delusionality across the different groups. Differ