• Jackson, H. J.
• Yung, A. R.
• Pantelis, C.
• Mcgorry, P. D.
• Koutsouradis, P.
• Proffitt, T. M.
• Francey, S. M.
• Brewer, W. J.
• Phillips, L. J.

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>The origin of cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders is stillunclear. Although some deficits are apparent prior to the onset of frankillness, it is unknown if they progress</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Aims</jats:title><jats:p>To investigate whether cognitive function declined over the transition topsychosis in a group of ultra-high risk individuals</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Method</jats:title><jats:p>Participants consisted of two groups: controls (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 17)and individuals at ultra-high risk for development of psychosis(<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 16). Seven of the latter group later developedpsychosis. Neuropsychological testing was conducted at baseline and againafter at least a 12-month interval</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>Both the Visual Reproduction sub-test of the Wechsler MemoryScale-Revised and Trail-Making Test B showed a decline over the follow-upperiod that was specific to the group who became psychotic. In addition,both high-risk groups showed a decline in digit span performance. Noother task showed significant change over time</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title><jats:p>These preliminary data suggest that as psychosis develops there may be aspecific decline in visual memory and attentional set-shifting,reflecting impairments in efficient organisation of visual stimuli. Thismay be caused by either the illness itself or treatment withantipsychotic medication</jats:p></jats:sec>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• size-exclusion chromatography