Neuropsychological deficits in children associated with increased familial risk for schizophrenia

Schizophr Res. 2004 Apr 1;67(2-3):123-30. doi: 10.1016/S0920-9964(03)00187-7.

Abstract

By studying neuropsychological performance in children genetically at-risk for schizophrenia, greater understanding may be obtained regarding the developmental processes of schizophrenia and associated cognitive weaknesses. A variety of cognitive deficits in genetically at-risk children have been reported. The present study was designed to examine cognitive tasks that have traditionally differentiated children genetically at-risk for schizophrenia (e.g. working memory) from normal children, while also assessing abilities that have received scant attention in this population. Aspects of emotional perception, verbal abilities, inhibition, visuo-spatial skills, and working memory were assessed in children of schizophrenic parents and normal children. Significant differences in performances were identified in at-risk children on measures of verbal skills, working memory and inhibition. Findings suggest that children genetically at-risk for developing schizophrenia exhibit neurocognitive weaknesses generally consistent with those noted in the literature. However, inhibition also appeared to be a cognitive process that significantly differentiated the groups. The possibility of a developmental expression of neurocognitive deficits is discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention / physiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibition, Psychological
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Verbal Behavior / physiology
  • Visual Perception / physiology
  • Wechsler Scales