Characteristics of Subjects at Clinical High Risk for Schizophrenia: Natural Follow up Study in 'Seoul Youth Clinic'- Pilot Study / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to identify the intake and following process for subjects at high risk of transition to schizophrenia and to examine the neurocognitive, social, and emotional functions of the subjects compared with healthy controls. METHODS: Symptomatic individuals judged at high risk for schizophrenia ('clinical high risk') within Youth Clinic were assessed and followed up. They performed a neurocognitive function test, a social function test and an affective function test. Twenty healthy controls were recruited in this study. RESULTS: Among eighty-two subjects contacted through the Youth clinic, sixteen subjects were judged as the clinical high risk group. Fourteen subjects among the clinical high risk group showed deficits in several domains of neurocognitive functions, such as visual recall memory, verbal short term memory and executive function. Social and affective functions are also impaired in the clinical high risk group compared with healthy controls. Two of 15 subjects (13%) developed a psychotic disorder within 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the state of follow-up study for a clinical high risk group. Despite low numbers and short durations, some impairment of several functions in the clinical high risk group suggests possible predictors of psychosis.