Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder, with patients exhibiting diverse clinical manifestations. Identifying pre-morbid factors that account for variability in schizophrenia is of interest to improve the identification of predisposed individuals and to provide more personalized, effective treatment. New research suggests childhood inhibited temperament may be a pre-morbid difference to target in preventative interventions. “Inhibited temperament means that you’re very wary and cautious of new things,” said Jennifer Blackford, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Blackford is senior author on a new study in Psychiatry Research reporting that patients with schizophrenia have higher levels of inhibited temperament.