Neurocognitive Functioning in Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome and Associations with Prodromal Symptoms

Amelink, M. (Merel) (2015) Neurocognitive Functioning in Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome and Associations with Prodromal Symptoms. thesis, Medicine.

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Abstract

Background: Neurocognitive deficits are considered as core features of schizophrenia and have been associated with negative and disorganized symptoms rather than positive symptoms. Results of recent studies in individuals considered at risk for psychosis suggest neurocognitive impairments can be detected before the onset of full-blown psychosis. Associations with prodromal symptoms have never been shown in studies with subjects at risk for psychosis. The present study examined neurocognitive performance of individuals with Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS), comparing them with their healthy first-degree family members and a matched healthy control (HC) group. Additionally associations between neurocognitive performance and prodromal symptoms were assessed in the APS group. Method: This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted with APS probands (n=10), their first-degree family members (n=21) and HC subjects (n=9). APS individuals were selected using the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS) and the Criteria of Prodromal Syndromes (COPS). Severity of prodromal symptoms was also assessed by the SIPS. All participants were administered a comprehensive neurocognitive battery, consisting of tests for six separate neurocognitive domains (Speed of Processing, Working Memory, Verbal Learning, Visual Learning, Attention/Vigilance, Reasoning and Problem Solving). Results: There was no significant difference in overall neurocognitive performance between APS subjects and either of the control groups. Individual cognitive tests however, did show significance; Speed of Processing was associated with negative, disorganized and general symptoms, but not positive symptoms; and Reasoning and Problem Solving was associated with positive, disorganized and general symptoms, but not negative symptoms. Conclusion: Although neurocognitive performance of APS subjects was not significantly impaired compared to the control groups, the current study does provide preliminary evidence of a relationship between certain aspects of neurocognitive performance and prodromal symptoms, similar to the relationship observed in patients with schizophrenia.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Faculty supervisor: and Jonge, prof. P. de and Second supervisor (UMCG): and Wigman, dr. J.T.W.
Supervisor name:	Second supervisor (HCUCH): and Angel, V. de and Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile and Departemento Psiquiatría Clínico and La Paz 1003, Recoleta
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:42
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:42
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/331

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