Diagnostic specificity and predictors of neurological soft signs in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses over the first 4 years of illness.
BACKGROUND
Neurological soft signs (NSS) are well described among patients with schizophrenia, the neurology of other psychoses is relatively unexplored and few comparative studies have prospectively examined these signs in first-episode patients.


METHODS
We assessed neurological functioning in 242 patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis (in accordance with DSM-IV diagnosis) using the Condensed Neurological Examination (CNE). We sought to determine whether NSS were specific to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and other forms of psychosis. We also examined the factors associated with and predictive of neurodysfunction at first presentation and at 4 year follow-up.


RESULTS
NSS were not specific to any diagnostic group. Neurological functioning was closely associated with psychopathology and mixed-handedness at first presentation. At follow-up there was a statistically significant improvement in neurological functioning. Persistent neurodysfunction at this stage was related to enduring negative symptoms and associated with poorer outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are indistinguishable in terms of neurodysfunction at presentation. At presentation and 4 years NSS closely parallel psychopathology and mixed-handedness indicating that NSS may be a function of these factors or possibly an independent factor operates equally upon both symptoms and neurological function.
Whitty
Peter
P
Stanley Research Unit, Cluain Mhuire Family Centre and St John of God Hospital, Co Dublin, Ireland.
Clarke
Mary
M
McTigue
Orfhlaith
O
Browne
Stephen
S
Gervin
Maurice
M
Kamali
Moyaad
M
Lane
Abbie
A
Kinsella
Anthony
A
Waddington
John
J
Larkin
Conall
C
O'Callaghan
Eadbhard
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity