Cognitive alterations in groups at risk for psychosis: neutral markers of genetic risk or indicators of social disability?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether cognitive alterations associated with vulnerability to psychosis, are associated with expression of psychopathology and functional outcome in groups at different levels of risk for psychotic illness.


METHODS
Neurocognition, psychopathology and functional outcome were measured in subjects with variable risk for psychosis: i) 29 patients with psychotic disorder, ii) 46 subjects at familial risk, iii) 41 subjects at psychometric risk and iv) 54 control subjects.


RESULTS
Dose-response relationships between cognitive dysfunction and increasing risk for psychosis were found. Cognitive alterations were predicted by negative symptoms in patients and by positive psychotic experiences in the familial risk group. In both at risk groups, cognitive speed was associated with functional outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Some cognitive impairments serve as neutral endophenotypic marker across the psychosis continuum. However, other cognitive alterations associated with transmission of psychosis may have a direct impact on the pathway from risk to psychopathology and alterations in functioning.
Jabben
N
N
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
van Os
J
J
Janssen
I
I
Versmissen
D
D
Krabbendam
L
L
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment