Neurological abnormalities in schizophrenic patients: a prospective follow-up study 5 years after first admission.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the temporal stability of neurological abnormalities in first-episode schizophrenic patients, and to clarify the relationships between such abnormalities and psychopathology.


METHODS
A total of 18 schizophrenic patients, 11 non-schizophrenic patients and 10 healthy volunteers were examined neurologically at first admission and 5 years later.


RESULTS
A significant increase in the number of neurological abnormalities was seen in schizophrenic patients with genetic predisposition and in patients with a non-remitting course of disease. Birth complications had an impact on the occurrence of neurological abnormalities at first admission.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between a deteriorating course of disease and neurological impairment supports the theory that any possible impairment of the brain in schizophrenia is aggravated during the first 5 years of disease.
Madsen
A L
AL
Department of Psychiatry, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Vorstrup
S
S
Rubin
P
P
Larsen
J K
JK
Hemmingsen
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010343:Patient Admission; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011599:Psychopathology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology