Neuropsychological and neurophysiological findings in individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia: preliminary results from the Basel early detection of psychosis study - Früherkennung von Psychosen (FEPSY).
OBJECTIVE
Our study aims to establish a scientific basis for the very early detection of patients at risk for schizophrenia during the nonspecific prodromal phase of the disorder and to predict its outbreak.


METHODS
A multidomain approach is used. After screening, approved psychopathological, neurophysiological, neuropsychological and neuroradiological investigations are used to assess a sample of individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia.


RESULTS
Neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements showed statistically significant differences (P<0.01) between individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia and healthy controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia show specific impairments in various investigations including neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements. A set of methods sensitive to even subtle changes in normal functioning may prove useful in predicting the subsequent outbreak of schizophrenia.
Gschwandtner
U
U
University Psychiatric Outpatient Department, Kantonsspital Basel, Basle, Switzerland. ugschwandtne@uhbs.ch
Aston
J
J
Borgwardt
S
S
Drewe
M
M
Feinendegen
C
C
Lacher
D
D
Lanzarone
A
A
Stieglitz
R-D
RD
Riecher-Rössler
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D015835:Ocular Motility Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity