title: Early signs in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
abstract: The frequency of various early signs of illness was examined in 96 first-episode patients suffering from schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder. A factor analysis of these early signs was performed, and each of the five dimensions identified was examined for its relation to symptoms of psychosis at presentation and after 1 year of treatment. The results suggested five primary dimensions of early signs: emotional dysphoria and odd perceptual and cognitive content, impaired functioning, changes related to psychobiological or vegetative functioning, suspiciousness accompanied by difficulties in concentration, and irritability/aggression. Impaired functioning in the prepsychosis period was associated with higher negative symptoms at presentation for treatment, and higher levels of psychobiological changes were associated with lower positive symptoms of psychosis after a year of treatment. The latter findings may indicate that patients with more profound indications of affective disturbance or stress have a better prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, Room 114A, WMCH Building, 392 South Street, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4G5.
authors.forename: Ross M G
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: Derek J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Scholten
authors.forename: Ashok K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Malla
authors.forename: Trevor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ballageer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment; D016896:Treatment Outcome