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Neuropsychological and neurophysiological findings in individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia: preliminary results from the Basel early detection of psychosis study – Früherkennung von Psychosen (FEPSY)
Author(s) -
Gschwandtner U.,
Aston J.,
Borgwardt S.,
Drewe M.,
Feinendegen C.,
Lacher D.,
Lanzarone A.,
Stieglitz R.D.,
RiecherRössler A.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2003.00157.x
Subject(s) - neuropsychology , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychopathology , psychosis , psychology , psychiatry , clinical psychology , cognition
Objective: Our study aims to establish a scientific basis for the very early detection of patients at risk for schizophrenia during the nonspecific prodromal phase of the disorder and to predict its outbreak. Method: A multidomain approach is used. After screening, approved psychopathological, neurophysiological, neuropsychological and neuroradiological investigations are used to assess a sample of individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia. Results: Neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements showed statistically significant differences ( P <0.01) between individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia and healthy controls. Conclusion: Individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia show specific impairments in various investigations including neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements. A set of methods sensitive to even subtle changes in normal functioning may prove useful in predicting the subsequent outbreak of schizophrenia.