Abstract

COGNITIVE MARKERS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PRODROME: A REVIEW

Author(s): Zheng Lu* & Anisha Heeramun-Aubeeluck**

Objective: This article aims to review findings from studies conducted in prodromal subjects using cognitive domains as potential markers for predicting psychosis and/or schizophrenia.

Methods: A total of 49 studies dealing with prodromal subjects were selected, out of which 9 were Genetic/Family High Risk studies, 1 was a birth cohort, 8 used ultra High Risk (UHR) screening criteria, 4 used Basel Screening Instrument Psychosis scale (BSIP), 2 used the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS), 2 used the Early Recognition Inventory/Interview for the Retrospective Assessment of the Onset of Schizophrenia (ERIraos), 1 used the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS), 10 used the Structured Interview for Prodromal States/Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS/SOPS) and 11 used a combination of screening instruments.

Results: Cognitive precursors such as verbal memory, attention, executive function, working memory, olfactory identification and intelligence have been found to be replicable though not always consistently across studies. There are many differences between the various studies not only in terms of their subjects’ profiles but also regarding the cognitive tests used and the duration of the study.

Conclusion: A standardized agreement of the high-risk group criteria and cognitive tests used needs to be put forward. Moreover, the duration of the study investigating Ultra High Risk groups should be of at least one year period.

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