S13.03 - Prevalence and correlates of psychotic-like experiences and other putative antecedents of schizophrenia in children aged 9-12 years

Abstract

Background and Aims:

Prospective longitudinal investigations are needed to identify causal processes leading to schizophrenia. However, there is presently no cost-effective way to identify children who are at risk of developing schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods:

The present study tested the feasibility of screening community samples to identify children, aged 9-12 years, who experience a triad of putative antecedents of schizophrenia identified in previous research, including: (1) speech and/or motor development lags/problems; (2) social, emotional, or behavioural problems; and (3) psychotic-like-experiences. 3410 children and 796 caregivers completed questionnaires.

Results:

12.3% of boys and 8.0% of girls displayed the antecedent triad. Consistent with schizophrenia incidence data, children of African-Caribbean origin presented elevated risk for the antecedent triad relative to white British children. Preliminary results from event-related potential recordings in children presenting the triad (n=14; mean age: 11 years, 4 months; mean IQ: 111) and in control children experiencing none of the antecedents (n=9; mean age: 11 years, 6 months; mean IQ: 109), indicate brain function abnormalities in triad children. The amplitude of the error-related negativity (Ne/ERN) component elicited by erroneous responses to NoGo trials in a Go/NoGo task, relative to correct responses to Go trials, was reduced in children experiencing the triad (controlling for age and IQ). Similar reduction in Ne/ERN in adults with schizophrenia is thought to indicate deficits in patients’ internal monitoring of behaviour.

Conclusions:

Questionnaire screening of community samples of children for the putative antecedents of schizophrenia is feasible. Accuracy of identification will be established only by follow-up studies.