Associations Between Cognitive Function, Schizophrenic Symptoms, and Functional Outcome in Early-onset Schizophrenia With and Without a Familial Burden of Psychosis.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between various domains of cognitive functions, the intensity of psychopathological symptoms, and the general functional outcome in adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia.

Method: 33 adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) were investigated in their partial symptom remission period. The control group consisted of 30 healthy adolescents. Schizophrenia was diagnosed on the basis of ICD-10 criteria. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with the use of the PANSS (Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale) scale. General functioning was evaluated with the use of the CGAS (Children's Global Assessment Scale) scale.

Results: Significant dysfunctions of various aspects of working memory, executive functions, and verbal memory were found in the group of EOS adolescents, as compared to the control group. Working memory and executive function deficits were significantly more severe in patients with a greater intensity of negative schizophrenia symptoms. EOS patients with a familial burden of psychosis presented greater cognitive deficits than patients without such a burden.

Conclusions: These data suggest that visual working memory and verbal memory deficits with a higher intensity of negative and positive symptoms proved to be significant predictors of poor functioning. Limitations of the study are discussed.