Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the level and pattern of cognitive deficits in patients with early-onset psychoses with
an age, gender and IQ matched control group. In order to ensure a representative sample of patients with psychoses, participants
with an IQ of less than 70 were included. Forty-eight patients with an onset of psychoses before the age of 16, and 47 age,
gender and IQ matched controls without psychoses were recruited. Psychotic symptomatology was assessed using the Schedules
for Clinical Assessment to obtain DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnoses. Positive and negative symptoms were assessed using the Positive
and Negative Symptoms Scale. Levels of cognitive function were measured using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.
A pattern of specific impairments was not found, with few significant differences between the two cohorts. However both cohort
groups performed lower than age derived norms. Therefore it appears that there are global cognitive deficits rather than specific
deficits in early-onset psychoses when compared to normative data, in-line with conclusions of early-onset schizophrenia research,
but patients did not have greater deficit than controls when matched on IQ, gender and age, even after excluding participants
with IQ less than 70.
an age, gender and IQ matched control group. In order to ensure a representative sample of patients with psychoses, participants
with an IQ of less than 70 were included. Forty-eight patients with an onset of psychoses before the age of 16, and 47 age,
gender and IQ matched controls without psychoses were recruited. Psychotic symptomatology was assessed using the Schedules
for Clinical Assessment to obtain DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnoses. Positive and negative symptoms were assessed using the Positive
and Negative Symptoms Scale. Levels of cognitive function were measured using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.
A pattern of specific impairments was not found, with few significant differences between the two cohorts. However both cohort
groups performed lower than age derived norms. Therefore it appears that there are global cognitive deficits rather than specific
deficits in early-onset psychoses when compared to normative data, in-line with conclusions of early-onset schizophrenia research,
but patients did not have greater deficit than controls when matched on IQ, gender and age, even after excluding participants
with IQ less than 70.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-011-0219-8
- Authors
- D.-M. Walker, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical School, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, E Floor, South Block, Nottingham, NG7 2UH UK
- P. J. Standen, Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, Medical School, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, B Floor, Nottingham, NG7 2UH UK
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827