Distinguishing characteristics of subjects with good and poor early outcome in the Edinburgh High-Risk Study.
BACKGROUND
'High-risk' studies of schizophrenia have the potential to clarify the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Here, results of extreme outcome groups in the Edinburgh High-Risk Study are presented.


OBJECTIVE
To compare groups of good and poor outcome from the Edinburgh High-Risk Study and clarify the nature of the change from the state of vulnerability to that of developing psychosis.


METHODS
The recruitment procedure is described. Good and poor outcome are defined. These groups are compared in terms of genetic liability and of baseline and change in neuropsychology and neuroanatomy.


RESULTS
Demographic characteristics and genetic liability do not differ between the groups. The good outcome group perform better at baseline in some neuropsychological tests, but there is little neuroanatomical difference. The poor outcome group show consistently impaired memory function and a tendency to reduction in temporal lobe size.


CONCLUSIONS
In genetically predisposed subjects, the change from vulnerability to developing psychosis may be marked by a reduced size and impaired function of the temporal lobe.
Johnstone
Eve C
EC
University Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK.
Cosway
Richard
R
Lawrie
Stephen M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome