Noguera A, et al. – In this study, the offspring of patients with SZ (SZoff) was compared with those of a community control group (CC–off) to determine the variables correlated with attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS), general symptomatology and functioning that may help to differentiate those at genetic risk for SZ. It was noted that SZ–off presented significantly more APS and higher mean scores in psychopathological scales than CC–off, together with increased dysfunction scores. These early warning signs and follow–up for those at genetic high risk for schizophrenia will provide valuable data about symptom progression, facilitating early intervention to improve short and long–term results in youths with a positive family history.

Methods

• For the purpose of this study, forty one SZ-off and one hundred seven CC-off aged 6–17 years were incorporated.
• The Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS), scored on the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS), was administered by a child psychiatrist blinded to parental diagnoses, together with other clinical and functional scales.

Results

• The results of this study showed that the SZ-off group presented higher scores in positive (p = 0.000), negative (p = 0.012), and disorganized (p = 0.009) subscale scores, as well as in the total score (p = 0.001) on the SOPS when compared with the CC-off group.
• In addition, other scales demonstrated significant emotional (p = 0.028), behavioral (p = 0.000) and peer-related problems (p = 0.025), lower performance at school (p = 0.025) and increased dysfunction score (p = 0.005) in the SZ-off group.
• Logistic regression analysis indicated lower socioeconomic statuses (OR: 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87–0.97) and higher SOPS positive subscale scores (OR: 2.41, 95%CI: 1.31–4.42) in the SZ-off group.