Phenomenology and diagnostic stability of youths with atypical psychotic symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to better characterize the phenomenology and diagnostic stability of youths that report atypical psychotic symptoms.


METHODS
In a 2-year longitudinal follow-up study, youths reporting atypical psychotic symptoms (n = 20) were compared with youths with schizophrenia (n = 27) and youths with bipolar disorder with psychotic features (n = 22) on psychotic, dissociative, and general symptomatology, comorbid diagnoses, previous abuse, and overall functioning. Diagnoses were obtained using structured diagnostic interviews (i.e., the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents).


RESULTS
None of the subjects reporting atypical psychotic symptoms went on to develop a classic psychotic illness by the year 2 follow-up. These subjects had significantly higher rates of abuse and dissociative symptoms, and were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a depressive disorder than youths with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that youths with atypical, fleeting, or situationally specific hallucinations are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder (such as PTSD) than a current or prodromal psychotic illness.
Hlastala
Stefanie A
SA
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
McClellan
Jon
J
D000293:Adolescent; D017668:Age of Onset; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology