Early-onset schizophrenia: studying the links between cognitive and clinical dimensions

BackgroundEarly-onset schizophrenia (EOS), a rare and severe chronic psychiatric condition, is defined by an onset of schizophrenia symptoms before the age of 18. Core symptoms also include cognitive impairments. However, little is known about links between psychiatric symptoms of EOS and cognitive abilities.ObjectiveTo explore the clinical and neurocognitive profiles of EOS patients and their links.MethodEOS patients have been phenotyped using standardised psychiatric assessments for DSM-5 diagnoses (K-SADS-PL) and for symptoms (PANSS and SANS), together with neurocognitive evaluations.ResultsThe EOS sample (n = 27, 12.4 +/-3.2 years) presented hallucinations (83%), negative symptoms (70%) and delusion (59%). 81% of patients presented comorbidities such as anxiety disorders (33%), autism spectrum disorder (26%) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (26%). Patients presented borderline intellectual deficiency (total IQ = 72.5 +/-4.7), with low performances in working memory subtest. We highlight a positive correlation between the IQ and intensity of positive symptoms (PANSS) and between the IQ and a first treatment being administered at an older age. We also highlight a negative correlation between the IQ and attention items of SANS.ConclusionCognitive skills are correlated with symptom intensity in EOS patients. An older age of onset seems to be a protective factor for cognitive development.

Automated summary

This study aims to explore the clinical and neurocognitive profiles of EOS patients and their links. The findings suggest a correlation between psychiatric symptoms and cognitive abilities in EOS patients, with a later age of onset being a protective factor for cognitive development.