A follow-up study of early onset psychosis: comparison between outcome diagnoses of schizophrenia, mood disorders, and personality disorders

Borderline personality features among individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P): A brief report

AIM

This exploratory study reports on borderline symptomatology within a sample of individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) through a validated, self-report instrument, the short version of the Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23).

METHODS

The sample consisted of 44 help-seeking CHR-P youth (ages 14-29 years) who completed an initial evaluation at a specialized clinic for psychosis-risk.

RESULTS

The mean BSL-23 score was 1.5 (SD = 1.0, range 0.1-4.0). Higher scores were strongly associated with greater reported depressive symptoms (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Additionally, borderline symptoms associated with attenuated positive symptoms (r = 0.32, p = 0.034) and social anxiety (r = 0.34, p = 0.027). Borderline symptomatology was not associated with role or social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is one of the first examinations of borderline symptomatology within a CHR-P sample through a validated self-report measure. Future research replicating these results is required to determine their robustness.

Comorbid early psychosis and borderline personality disorder: Conceptualizing clinical overlap, etiology, and treatment

Despite substantial efforts aimed at the detection and intervention for early symptoms of mental illness, there is relatively limited research on the clinical overlap between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and early psychosis, for example, clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, in young people. We present a narrative review of the clinical overlap between BPD and psychosis spectrum symptoms. Both conditions have unstable temporal course, and both are marked by functional impairment, increased suicide risk, and higher rates of psychiatric inpatient services. We then review evidence-based treatments for psychosis and BPD, emphasizing treatments for early presentations of these symptoms and initial research considering treatments for the overlap. Psychotherapies with the strongest empirical support include cognitive behavioral models, with BPD showing limited response to adjunctive pharmacotherapy. We end by discussing specific recommendations for future research, including longitudinal studies to determine the predictors of the course of illness and the development of treatments to target comorbid BPD and CHR symptoms.

Personality disorder in an Early Intervention Psychosis cohort: Findings from the Social Epidemiology of Psychoses in East Anglia (SEPEA) study

AIM

Personality Disorders (PD) often share clinical and phenomenological overlap with psychotic disorders, especially at onset. However, there is little research on comorbid PD among people experiencing first episode psychosis. We examined the prevalence of PD recording and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates in people accepted to Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services.

METHODS

Participants were aged 16-35, accepted into 6 EIP services for suspected psychosis, as part of the Social Epidemiology of Psychoses in East Anglia (SEPEA) study. PD was recorded by clinicians according to ICD-10. Multilevel logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

Of 798 participants, 76 people (9.5%) received a clinical diagnosis of PD, with emotionally unstable PD (75.0%, N = 57) the most common subtype. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for PD included female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.0-5.7), absence of psychotic disorder after acceptance to EIP (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.6-5.5), more severe hallucinations (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1), and lower parental SES (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.8). Compared with the white British, black and minority ethnic groups were less likely to receive a PD diagnosis (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7). There was no association between PD and neighbourhood-level deprivation or population-density.

CONCLUSIONS

Recording of a PD diagnosis was three times more common amongst participants later found not to meet threshold criteria for psychotic disorder, implying phenomenological overlap at referral which highlights difficulties encountered in accurate diagnostic assessment, treatment and onward referral. People with PD experienced more individual-level, but not neighbourhood-level social disadvantage in an already disadvantaged sample.

Will machine learning applied to neuroimaging in bipolar disorder help the clinician? A critical review and methodological suggestions

OBJECTIVES

The existence of anatomofunctional brain abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD) is now well established by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. To create diagnostic and prognostic tools, as well as identifying biologically valid subtypes of BD, research has recently turned towards the use of machine learning (ML) techniques. We assessed both supervised ML and unsupervised ML studies in BD to evaluate their robustness, reproducibility and the potential need for improvement.

METHOD

We systematically searched for studies using ML algorithms based on MRI data of patients with BD until February 2019.

RESULT

We identified 47 studies, 45 using supervised ML techniques and 2 including unsupervised ML analyses. Among supervised studies, 43 focused on diagnostic classification. The reported accuracies for classification of BD ranged between (a) 57% and 100%, for BD vs healthy controls; (b) 49.5% and 93.1% for BD vs patients with major depressive disorder; and (c) 50% and 96.2% for BD vs patients with schizophrenia. Reported accuracies for discriminating subjects genetically at risk for BD (either from control or from patients with BD) ranged between 64.3% and 88.93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are strong methodological limitations in previous studies and an important need for replication in large multicentric samples, the conclusions of our review bring hope of future computer-aided diagnosis of BD and pave the way for other applications, such as treatment response prediction. To reinforce the reliability of future results we provide methodological suggestions for good practice in conducting and reporting MRI-based ML studies in BD.

Screening for psychosis risk among adolescents in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: a description of the first step with the 16-item version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-16)

AIM

Although the 16-item version of the Prodromal Questionnaire (PQ-16) is used as a screener in the early detection of psychosis risk, little is known about PQ-16 scores among adolescents referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. We assessed such scores in adolescents referred to these services in the Netherlands, and also their associations with age, gender, diagnosis and level of functioning.

METHODS

The PQ-16 was added to regular intake procedures.

RESULTS

The PQ-16 was completed by 176 adolescents (mean age 14.58 years; standard deviation = 1.50; 55.1% females), 34.7% of whom scored above the current cut-off score of ≥6 items. Positive item scores with the highest odds ratio for scoring above the cut-off were related to tasting or smelling things, seeing things and hearing thoughts out aloud. There were no age-, gender- or disorder-related differences in total scores on the PQ-16. Lower Global Assessment of Functioning scores were associated with higher total scores on the PQ-16.

CONCLUSIONS

The PQ-16 is easy to implement in routine assessment and can be useful to bring up potential psychotic symptoms for further exploration in an early stage, especially in adolescents with low Global Assessment of Functioning scores. The PQ-16 total scores were not confounded by differences in age, gender or disorder. Future research should investigate the true nature of PQ-16 items and whether the item scores and cut-off scores of the PQ-16 in adolescence have any predictive value regarding the development of an ultra high-risk status, a psychotic disorder or other mental disorders.

Proposed treatment for adolescent psychosis. 2: Bipolar illness

Bipolar illnesses are typically considered as disorders primarily occurring in adult life, but a substantial number have their onset during the teenage years. Any acute illness in the teenage years affects social, emotional and educational development disproportionately, as it may prevent the normal transitions and learning experiences inherent in adolescence. Additionally, there is some evidence for a lack of early recognition or for misdiagnosis in early-onset cases of psychiatric disorders in general and the psychotic disorders in particular, with consequent increased suffering and impairment of functioning. Finally, bipolar affective disorders rarely present with one single episode followed by full and permanent recovery, but are usually illnesses characterised by a relapsing and remitting course through adult life. Prompt and effective recognition and treatment may therefore not merely reduce immediate impact but may also set up patterns of understanding and treatment compliance with longer-term implications. In this paper, I consider the particular features of bipolar affective disorder in adolescence and to describe a practical framework for its management. In view of the relative lack of age-specific research findings, particularly in respect of treatment effectiveness, I draw heavily upon clinical practice and extrapolation from studies carried out among adult sufferers.

Overdiagnosis of mental disorders in children and adolescents (in developed countries)

During the past 50 years, health insurance providers and national registers of mental health regularly report significant increases in the number of mental disorder diagnoses in children and adolescents. However, epidemiological studies show mixed effects of time trends of prevalence of mental disorders. Overdiagnosis in clinical practice rather than an actual increase is assumed to be the cause for this situation. We conducted a systematic literature search on the topic of overdiagnosis of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Most reviewed studies suggest that misdiagnosis does occur; however, only one study was able to examine overdiagnosis in child and adolescent mental disorders from a methodological point-of-view. This study found significant evidence of overdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In the second part of this paper, we summarize findings concerning diagnostician, informant and child/adolescent characteristics, as well as factors concerning diagnostic criteria and the health care system that can lead to mistakes in the routine diagnostic process resulting in misdiagnoses. These include the use of heuristics instead of data-based decisions by diagnosticians, misleading information by caregivers, ambiguity in symptom description relating to classification systems, as well as constraints in most health systems to assign a diagnosis in order to approve and reimburse treatment. To avoid misdiagnosis, standardized procedures as well as continued education of diagnosticians working with children and adolescents suffering from a mental disorder are needed.

A 52-Week Study of Olanzapine with a Randomized Behavioral Weight Counseling Intervention in Adolescents with Schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the 52-week safety/tolerability of oral olanzapine for adolescents with schizophrenia or bipolar mania and compare effectiveness of a standard versus intense behavioral weight intervention in mitigating risk of weight gain.

METHODS

Patients 13-17 years old with schizophrenia (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children [BPRS-C] total score >30; item score ≥3 for hallucinations, delusions, or peculiar fantasies) or bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episode; Young Mania Rating Scale [YMRS] total score ≥15) received open-label olanzapine (2.5-20 mg/day) and were randomized to standard (n = 102; a single weight counseling session) or intense (n = 101; weight counseling at each study visit) weight intervention. The primary outcome measure was mean change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 52 weeks using mixed-model repeated measures. Symptomatology was also assessed.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between groups were observed in mean baseline-to-52-week change in BMI (standard: +3.6 kg/m²; intense: +2.8 kg/m²; p = 0.150) or weight (standard: +12.1 kg; intense: +9.6 kg; p = 0.148). Percentage of patients at endpoint who had gained ≥15% of their baseline weight was 40% for the standard group and 31% for the intense group (p = 0.187). Safety/tolerability results were generally consistent with those of previous olanzapine studies in adolescents, with the most notable exception being the finding of a mean decrease in prolactin. On symptomatology measures, patients with schizophrenia had a mean baseline-to-52-week change in BPRS-C of -32.5 (standard deviation [SD] = 10.8), and patients with bipolar disorder had a mean change in YMRS of -16.7 (SD = 8.9), with clinically and statistically significant improvement starting at 3-4 days for each.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term weight gain was high in both groups, with no statistically significant differences between the standard or intense behavioral weight interventions in BMI or weight. Safety, tolerability, and effectiveness findings were generally consistent with the known profile of olanzapine in adolescents.

The clinical trajectory of patients with borderline personality disorder

OBJECTIVE

The epidemiological data on the diagnostic course of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is limited. We used a nationwide register to investigate the diagnostic stability and changes over time.

METHOD

The Danish nationwide registers were used to follow all patients with a diagnosis of BPD and investigate their first-ever psychiatric diagnosis and their latest diagnosis in the time period of 1995-2012. From this, we found the diagnostic stability and described the diagnostic changes.

RESULTS

A total of 10 786 patients diagnosed with BPD were identified. The prospective diagnostic stabilities were 37% for females and 25% for males, and retrospective stabilities were 20% for females and 22% for males. More than 60% of patients received other diagnoses than BPD as their first-ever diagnosis. Stress-related (17%) and depressive disorders (14%) were most frequent as first-ever diagnosis. The latest diagnosis remained BPD in nearly half of females and one third of males, followed by schizophrenia, notably for those with longer follow-up and males.

CONCLUSION

This study gives a detailed display of complicated clinical trajectories. The low diagnostic stabilities demonstrate a heterogenous patient group diagnosed with many other psychiatric diagnoses over time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Outcome of Schizophrenia-Spectrum Psychosis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum psychosis (EOS) is hampered by limited data on clinical presentation and illness course. We aimed to systematically review the clinical characteristics, diagnostic trajectories, and predictors of illness severity and outcomes of EOS.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase literature review including studies published from January 1, 1990 to August 8, 2014 of EOS patients with 1) ≥50% nonaffective psychosis cases; 2) mean age of subjects <19 years; 3) clinical samples recruited through mental health services; 4) cross-sectional or prospective design; 5) ≥20 participants at baseline; 6) standardized/validated diagnostic instruments; and 7) quantitative psychotic symptom frequency or severity data. Exploratory analyses assessed associations among relevant clinical variables.

RESULTS

Across 35 studies covering 28 independent samples (n = 1506, age = 15.6 years, age at illness onset = 14.5 years, males = 62.3%, schizophrenia-spectrum disorders = 89.0%), the most frequent psychotic symptoms were auditory hallucinations (81.9%), delusions (77.5%; mainly persecutory [48.5%], referential [35.1%], and grandiose [25.5%]), thought disorder (65.5%), bizarre/disorganized behavior (52.8%), and flat or blunted affect/negative symptoms (52.3%/50.4%). Mean baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-total, positive, and negative symptom scores were 84.5 ± 10.9, 19.3 ± 4.4 and 20.8 ± 2.9. Mean baseline Clinical Global Impressions-Severity and Children's Global Assessment Scale/Global Assessment of Functioning (CGAS/GAF) scores were 5.0 ± 0.7 and 35.5 ± 9.1. Comorbidity was frequent, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (34.3%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity and/or disruptive behavior disorders (33.5%), and substance abuse/dependence (32.0%). Longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicted less CGAS/GAF improvement (p < 0.0001), and poor premorbid adjustment and a diagnosis of schizophrenia predicted less PANSS negative symptom improvement (p = 0.0048) at follow-up. Five studies directly comparing early-onset with adult-onset psychosis found longer DUP in EOP samples (18.7 ± 6.2 vs. 5.4 ± 3.1 months, p = 0.0027).

CONCLUSIONS

EOS patients suffer substantial impairment from significant levels of positive and negative symptoms. Although symptoms and functioning improve significantly over time, pre-/and comorbid conditions are frequent, and longer DUP and poorer premorbid adjustment is associated with poorer illness outcome.

Atypical course in severe catatonic schizophrenia in a cannabis-dependent male adolescent: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents with psychoses usually have full recovery from their first psychotic episode, but the first relapse often arises within 2 years of the first episode. Cannabis-related psychoses are difficult to distinguish from schizophrenic psychoses. Here, we describe a particularly severe clinical case, with a first psychotic episode occurring after heavy cannabis smoking, an atypically long symptom-free duration, and a subsequent non-substance-related episode.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 17-year-old male adolescent of Middle-East origin presented with delusions and hallucinations after extensive cannabis smoking. His first psychotic episode, with paranoid delusions and hallucinations, progressed into severe catatonic symptoms. His symptoms were treated with electroconvulsive therapy and risperidone and he was transferred to a residential substance abuse treatment center. He remained drug-free and non-psychotic for 3.5 years. Given the temporal association with extensive cannabis use, and his full remission of symptoms lasting several years, a cannabis-induced psychosis-though atypically extended-could be suspected. However, after 3.5 years without psychiatric care, and in a drug-free state, our patient again presented with positive psychotic symptoms, possibly induced by a period of severe psychosocial stress.

CONCLUSION

We here discuss whether a primary schizophrenic episode possibly induced by cannabis can increase the risk of subsequent non-drug-related schizophrenic episodes.

Predictors of outcome in early-onset psychosis: a systematic review

Given the global burden of psychotic disorders, the identification of patients with early-onset psychosis (EOP; that is, onset before the age of 18) at higher risk of adverse outcome should be a priority. A systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, and PsycInfo (1980 through August 2014) was performed to identify longitudinal observational studies assessing correlates and/or predictors of clinical, functional, cognitive, and biological outcomes in EOP. Seventy-five studies were included in the review. Using multivariate models, the most replicated predictors of worse clinical, functional, cognitive, and biological outcomes in EOP were premorbid difficulties and symptom severity (especially of negative symptoms) at baseline. Longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicted worse clinical, functional, and cognitive outcomes. Higher risk of attempting suicide was predicted by greater severity of psychotic illness and of depressive symptoms at the first episode of psychosis. Age at onset and sex were not found to be relevant predictors of outcome in most multivariate models, whereas studies using bivariate analyses yielded inconsistent results. Lower intelligence quotient at baseline predicted lower insight at follow-up, worse functional outcomes, and a diagnostic outcome of schizophrenia. Biological predictors of outcome in EOP have been little studied and have not been replicated. Lower levels of antioxidants at baseline predicted greater brain volume changes and worse cognitive functioning at follow-up, whereas neuroimaging markers such as regional cortical thickness and gray matter volume at baseline predicted remission and better insight at follow-up, respectively. EOP patients with poorer premorbid adjustment and prominent negative symptoms at initial presentation are at risk of poor outcome. They should therefore be the target of careful monitoring and more intensive interventions to address whether the disease course can be modified in this especially severely affected group. Early intervention strategies to reduce DUP may also improve outcome in EOP.

Psychosis in children: diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of childhood psychosis raises a host of unresolved problems, despite the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) giving identical symptoms and definitions for children, adolescents, and adults. The fantasy lives of children, and issues of developing language and cognition (including retardation), all impair diagnostic accuracy, particularly when differentiating between childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) (≤12 years), bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the catch-all classification, psychosis not otherwise specified (PNOS), is always available for conundra that prove unsolvable. Typical if nonpathognomonic features include neurocognitive difficulties. Multiple screening instruments and specialized versions of semistructured diagnostic interviews are available. Although smooth-pursuit eye-tracking movements may prove a genetic marker for COS, etiologies are likely to be oligogenetic rather than related to a single gene. No specific biological markers or neuroimages have been identified. As such, psychoses may be indicative of a more general pattern of brain dysfunction. Drug treatments are largely based on the adult literature because of a dearth of controlled data below age 18. There are still no rigorous studies of psychosocial treatments and psychotherapy specific to childhood psychosis.

Borderline personality features and development of psychosis in an 'ultra high risk' (UHR) population: a case control study

AIMS

There is clinical uncertainty as to whether borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits in those with an 'at risk mental state' have an effect on the risk of 'transition' to psychosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline BPD features, risk of transition and type of psychotic disorder experienced.

METHOD

This is a case-control study of 'ultra high risk' (UHR) for psychosis patients treated at the clinic, between 2004 and 2007. 'Cases' were UHR individuals who made the 'transition' to full threshold psychotic disorder within 24 months; 'control' group was a matched UHR sample who had not developed a psychotic disorder at 24 months. Individuals were matched on time of entry to the clinic, age and gender. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) BPD features were assessed from clinical assessments using a structured instrument (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorder for BPD (SCID-II BPD)). Psychosis diagnosis following transition was rated from the clinical files using the operational criteria in studies of psychotic illness (OPCRIT) computer algorithm. The number of BPD traits and number with full threshold BPD were compared in those who developed psychosis and those who did not.

RESULTS

We analysed data from 48 cases and 48 controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of transition to psychosis for those with baseline full-threshold BPD, compared with those without BPD. The number of BPD traits or number with full threshold BPD did not differ by psychosis diagnosis grouping.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-occurring BPD or BPD features does not appear to strongly influence the risk of short-term transition to psychosis or the risk of developing a non-affective psychotic disorder in this population.

Comparison of long-term (at least 24 weeks) weight gain and metabolic changes between adolescents and adults treated with olanzapine

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of these analyses was to compare the weight and other metabolic changes between adolescents and adults during long-term (at least 24 weeks) olanzapine treatment.

METHOD

The adult database included 86 studies with 12,425 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, or bipolar I disorder; the adolescent database comprised six studies with 489 patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar I disorder, or prodromal psychosis. Patients who had at least 24 weeks of olanzapine exposure (N=4,280 from adult database and N=179 from adolescent database) were analyzed in this study. Weight data were collected for all patients, fasting glucose and lipids data were collected in some patients. For weight gain, data in 34.5% adults (4,280/12,425) and 36.6% adolescents (179/489) were analyzed while for glucose and lipids, data in 8.4% (1,038/12,425) adults and 24.9% adolescents (122/489) were analyzed. Adult patients were treated with oral (5-20 mg/day) or depot formulations (doses equivalent to oral doses of 5-20 mg/day) of olanzapine and adolescent patients were treated with oral olanzapine (2.5-20 mg/day). The incidences of potentially clinically significant categorical changes in weight and metabolic parameters were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Nonoverlapping 95% CIs were considered as indicating a statistically significant difference. Weight, lipid, and glucose change comparisons are summarized.

RESULTS

The mean age for adolescents and adults was 15.8 and 38.8, respectively. The percentage of the male population was similar for both adults (58.5%) and adolescents (62.8%). The median duration of the follow-up period was 201 days for adolescent database and 280 days for adult database. The mean weight gain from baseline to endpoint in adolescents was 11.24 kg when compared with 4.81 kg in adults. The 95% CI for adolescents (10.1, 12.4) and adults (4.57, 5.04) are not overlapping, which indicates that the difference between adolescents and adults is statistically significant. The percentage of olanzapine-treated adolescents with ≥ 7% mean weight gain was 89.4% compared with 55.4% in adults (Number need to harm [NNH]=3). Mean changes from baseline to endpoint were also greater for adolescents than for adults in fasting total cholesterol (5.49 mg/dL vs. 2.06 mg/dL), LDL (5.41 mg/dL vs. 0.49 mg/dL), and triglycerides (20.49 mg/dL vs. 16.72 mg/dL), but overlapping 95% CIs were observed for all lipid parameters. Mean changes from baseline to endpoint in fasting glucose values were similar between adolescents and adults (3.13 mg/dL vs. 3.95 mg/dL). However, the incidence of treatment-emergent significant glucose changes was greater in adults. Among olanzapine-treated adults and adolescents, 8.9% and 0.9% experienced a shift from normal to high and 12.5% and 3.3% experienced a shift from normal/impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) to high fasting glucose, respectively. The incidence of IGT to high elevations in glucose was greater in adolescents, but overlapping 95% CI was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The types of metabolic changes during the long-term olanzapine treatment in adolescents were similar to those observed in adults. However, the magnitude of changes in weight and lipid parameters was greater in adolescents. Patients should receive regular monitoring of weight, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile at the beginning of, and periodically during, treatment with olanzapine.

Psychosocial functioning, familiality, and psychiatric comorbidity in bipolar youth with and without psychotic features

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have examined the correlates of psychosis in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BPD). We examined psychiatric comorbidity, familiality, and psychosocial functioning in multiple domains in BPD children and adolescents with and without psychotic features.

METHOD

As part of 2 ongoing family-based studies of children and adolescents with DSM-IV-defined BPD, we compared youth and their families with psychotic symptoms (BPD+P) and without psychotic symptoms (BPD-P). All youth and family members were assessed using indirect and direct structured psychiatric interviews (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders-Epidemiologic Version and DSM-IV Structured Clinical Interview) in a blinded manner. One study was conducted from January 2000 through December 2004, and the other study was conducted from February 1997 through September 2006.

RESULTS

Of the 226 youth with BPD, 33% manifested psychotic symptoms, as defined by the presence of hallucinations or delusions. We found that BPD+P youth had a greater number of BPD episodes (P < .01), more psychiatric hospitalizations (P < .01), and significantly higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity compared to BPD-P youth (all P values < .05). Additionally, a higher percentage of BPD+P youth had a family history of psychosis (P = .01). There was a lower processing speed (P = .03) and lower arithmetic scaled score (P = .04) in BPD+P youth, but no other meaningful differences in cognitive variables were identified between the 2 BPD groups. Psychosis in BPD was also associated with decreased family cohesion (P = .04) and poorer overall global functioning (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In children and adolescents with BPD, those who manifest psychotic features have higher rates of comorbid psychopathology, family history of psychosis, and poorer overall functioning in multiple domains than BPD children without psychosis. Future studies should examine neuroimaging correlates, medication response, and longitudinal course of children and adolescents with BPD who manifest psychosis as part of their clinical picture.

McLean-Harvard International First-Episode Project: two-year stability of ICD-10 diagnoses in 500 first-episode psychotic disorder patients

OBJECTIVE

Because clinical and biologic research and optimal clinical practice require stability of diagnoses over time, we determined stability of ICD-10 psychotic disorder diagnoses and sought predictors of diagnostic instability.

METHOD

Patients from the McLean-Harvard International First-Episode Project, conducted from 1989 to 2003, who were hospitalized for first psychotic illnesses (N = 500) were diagnosed by ICD-10 criteria at baseline and 24 months, on the basis of extensive prospective assessments, to evaluate the longitudinal stability of specific categorical diagnoses and predictors of diagnostic change.

RESULTS

Diagnostic stability averaged 90.4%, ranking as follows: schizoaffective disorder (100.0%) > mania with psychosis (99.0%) > mixed affective episode (94.9%) > schizophrenia (94.6%) > delusional disorder (88.2%) > severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (85.2%) > acute psychosis with/without schizophrenia symptoms = unspecified psychosis (all 66.7%) >> acute schizophrenia-like psychosis (28.6%). Diagnoses changed by 24 months of follow-up to schizoaffective disorder (37.5%), bipolar disorder (25.0%), schizophrenia (16.7%), or unspecified nonorganic psychosis (8.3%), mainly through emerging affective features. By logistic regression, diagnostic change was associated with Schneiderian first-rank psychotic symptoms at intake > lack of premorbid substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

We found some psychotic disorder diagnoses to be more stable by ICD-10 than DSM-IV criteria in the same patients, with implications for revisions of both diagnostic systems.

Modifying the risk of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of juvenile-onset schizophrenia

IMPORTANCE TO THE FIELD

This review summarizes the evidence for use of typical and atypical antipsychotic medications for the treatment of juvenile-onset schizophrenia. We highlight the risks and benefits of antipsychotic agents for youth with this disorder, paying special attention to weight gain and metabolic effects, an area of specific concern within child and adolescent psychiatry.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

We describe the seriousness of juvenile-onset schizophrenia and its impact on long-term functioning, noting that pharmacological treatment remains the standard of care for this disorder. We focus on weight gain and metabolic effects associated with atypical agents and review strategies to modify risks associated with these agents.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

We summarize strategies for attenuating the risk of weight gain for youth on atypical antipsychotics, including what is known about nutritional counseling and exercise programs as well as pharmacotherapy with adjunctive weight loss agents.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

Given the negative consequences associated with untreated schizophrenia, it appears that the most effective way to improve the risk:benefit ratio in the treatment of adolescents with schizophrenia is to reduce the risks associated with pharmacological treatment.

McLean-Harvard International First-Episode Project: two-year stability of DSM-IV diagnoses in 500 first-episode psychotic disorder patients

OBJECTIVE

Since stability of DSM-IV diagnoses of disorders with psychotic features requires validation, we evaluated psychotic patients followed systematically in the McLean-Harvard International First Episode Project.

METHOD

We diagnosed 517 patients hospitalized in a first psychotic illness by SCID-based criteria at baseline and at 24 months to assess stability of specific DSM-IV diagnoses.

RESULTS

Among 500 patients (96.7%) completing the study, diagnoses remained stable in 77.6%, ranking as follows: bipolar I disorder (96.5%) > schizophrenia (75.0%) > delusional disorder (72.7%) > major depressive disorder (MDD), severe, with psychotic features (70.1%) > brief psychotic disorder (61.1%) > psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) (51.5%) >> schizophreniform disorder (10.5%). Most changed diagnoses (22.4% of patients) were to schizoaffective disorder (53.6% of changes in 12.0% of subjects, from psychotic disorder NOS > schizophrenia > schizophreniform disorder = bipolar I disorder most recent episode mixed, severe, with psychotic features > MDD, severe, with psychotic features > delusional disorder > brief psychotic disorder > bipolar I disorder most recent episode manic, severe, with psychotic features). Second most changed diagnoses were to bipolar I disorder (25.9% of changes, 5.8% of subjects, from MDD, severe, with psychotic features > psychotic disorder NOS > brief psychotic disorder > schizophreniform disorder). Third most changed diagnoses were to schizophrenia (12.5% of changes, 2.8% of subjects, from schizophreniform disorder > psychotic disorder NOS > brief psychotic disorder = delusional disorder = MDD, severe, with psychotic features). These 3 categories accounted for 92.0% of changes. By logistic regression, diagnostic change was associated with nonaffective psychosis > auditory hallucinations > youth > male sex > gradual onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia were more stable diagnoses than delusional disorder or MDD, severe, with psychotic features, and much more than brief psychotic disorder, psychotic disorder NOS, or schizophreniform disorder. Diagnostic changes mainly involved emergence of affective symptoms and were predicted by several premorbid factors. The findings have implications for revisions of DSM and ICD.

Reasons for referral for electroconvulsive therapy: a comparison between adolescents and adults

OBJECTIVE

In order to improve our understanding of the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in adolescent patients, we aimed to evaluate the reasons for referral for ECT in different age groups.

METHOD

We compared the reasons for adolescent and adult referrals by a retrospective file review of 13 consecutive adolescents and 56 consecutive adults treated in our ECT unit during a 5-year period.

RESULTS

There was a significant association between age group and reason for referral. Non-response to pharmacotherapy was a significantly more common reason among adults. Adolescents were mainly referred due to catatonia and suicidal behaviour.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the need to study reasons for referral to ECT, beyond non-response to pharmacotherapy, especially in adolescent patients.

Use of the ADOS and ADI-R in children with psychosis: importance of clinical judgment

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R) are considered to be the 'gold standard' in diagnostic evaluations for autism. Developed as research tools and now gaining wide clinical use, the ADOS/ADI-R assessment package has been demonstrated to differentiate children with autism from those with other developmental disabilities; however, little work concerning the reliability and validity of the tools in children with a known history of psychosis has been undertaken. We report on the administration of the ADOS, ADI-R and clinical judgment in three cases of Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia. All 3 children met both ADOS and ADI-R criteria for an autism spectrum diagnosis, even though none of them received a clinical diagnosis of autism from either a research child psychiatrist or an experienced clinically trained, research psychologist with expertise in autism. Issues concerning overlap of symptom presentation and implications for research and clinical use of these assessment tools are discussed.

Pathophysiology of early onset schizophrenia

Early onset schizophrenia (with onset before adulthood) represents a rarer and possibly more severe form of the disorder which has received particular attention in the last two decades. Current evidence strongly suggest continuity with adult onset schizophrenia, with phenomenological, cognitive, genetic and neuroimaging data pointing towards similar neurobiological correlates and clinical deficits but worse long term outcome. Future research in early onset cases is likely to increase further our insight into the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia and the complex gene-environment interactions affecting its emergence.

Treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders (TEOSS): demographic and clinical characteristics

OBJECTIVE

We examined baseline demographic and clinical profiles of youths enrolled from 2001 to 2006 in the publicly funded multicenter, randomized controlled trial Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

METHOD

Youths (8-19 years) with schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective disorder were recruited at four academic sites. Diagnosis was made via structured and clinical interviews. Assessments of psychiatric symptoms and social and global functioning were included.

RESULTS

A total of 119 youths were enrolled. The mean age at illness onset was 11.1 +/- 3.5 years. Patients with SZ and schizoaffective disorder had similar ratings on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale. The overall level of functioning was similar in the two groups. A comparison to published reports of adults with SZ indicates that these youths may have more severe symptoms based on results of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the largest samples of youths with SZ spectrum disorders studied to date and the largest assessment of youths with schizoaffective disorder. High rates of symptoms and general psychopathology were noted. There was a substantial degree of social and functional impairment. The symptom profiles are consistent with, but more severe than, those reported in the adult literature.

Dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with bipolar disorder: a 1-year open trial

OBJECTIVE

To describe an adapted version of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents with bipolar disorder.

METHOD

The dialectical behavior therapy intervention is delivered over 1 year and consists of two modalities: family skills training (conducted with individual family units) and individual therapy. The acute treatment period (6 months) includes 24 weekly sessions; sessions alternate between the two treatment modalities. Continuation treatment consists of 12 additional sessions tapering in frequency through 1 year. We conducted an open pilot trial of the treatment, designed as an adjunct to pharmacological management, to establish feasibility and acceptability of the treatment for this population. Participants included 10 patients (mean age 15.8 +/- 1.5 years, range 14-18) receiving treatment in an outpatient pediatric bipolar specialty clinic. Symptom severity and functioning were assessed quarterly by an independent evaluator. Consumer satisfaction was also assessed posttreatment.

RESULTS

Feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were high, with 9 of 10 patients completing treatment, 90% of scheduled sessions attended, and high treatment satisfaction ratings. Patients exhibited significant improvement from pre- to posttreatment in suicidality, nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior, emotional dysregulation, and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Dialectical behavior therapy may offer promise as an approach to the psychosocial treatment of adolescent bipolar disorder.

Developing services for the carers of young adults with early-onset psychosis - implementing evidence-based practice on psycho-educational family intervention

This paper describes a series of practice and service development initiatives to incorporate the family-inclusive approach into the newly established Early Intervention in Psychosis Service in Berkshire, England. Following a local study on carers' experiences and needs from those who cared for a young adult with a first-episode psychosis (FEP), a series of flexible services for this group of carers has been developed incorporating the much-researched psycho-educational family interventions. The findings of our local phenomenological study on the carers for young adults with FEP clearly specified the unique needs of this group of carers and that well-established approaches in family work and carers support facilities may have to be adapted to meet such needs. This paper reports the service development process through which a series of specially designed carers' services were set up for carers caring for a young adult with FEP. These services were developed to address carers' needs for knowledge, skills and support to cope with their caring roles and situation, from the stressful beginning of a potentially long caring journey.

The child and adolescent first-episode psychosis study (CAFEPS): design and baseline results

OBJECTIVE

The child and adolescent first-episode psychosis study (CAFEPS) is a multicenter, two-year, longitudinal project aiming to evaluate different clinical, neuropsychological, neuroimaging, biochemical, immunological, and genetic variables and treatment and prognostic factors in these patients. This paper describes the methods and rationale behind the study and the general characteristics of the sample.

METHOD

At six different centers, from March 2003 through November 2005, we consecutively recruited 110 patients, ages 9-17 years, who presented with a first psychotic episode. Controls were recruited from the same geographic areas and were matched for gender and age.

RESULTS

Patients had lower socioeconomic status (SES) (p=0.018) and parental years of education (p<0.001) than controls. The percentage of patients recruited increased with age (p<0.001) and there was a higher percentage of males (p<0.001). The total mean PANSS score was 89.03+/-20.1, the positive score 23.8+/-6.5 and the negative score 20.02+/-8.8. There were no significant differences between the genders with respect to age, parental years of education, SES, or scores in premorbid adjustment or general functioning. There were statistically significant positive correlations between age and positive symptoms and between all PANSS subscales and the Disability Assessment Schedule, and negative correlations between positive symptoms and global functioning. Diagnoses after the baseline evaluation were: psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) 35.5%, schizophreniform disorder 24.5%, mood disorder with psychotic symptoms 22.7%, schizophrenia 10%, schizoaffective disorder 2.7%, and other psychotic disorders 4.5%. Patients had worse premorbid adjustment (p<0.001) and global functioning (p<0.001) than controls after controlling for SES.

CONCLUSIONS

Infancy and adolescence adjustment and global functioning are lower in children and adolescents with psychotic disorders than in controls, severity of symptoms are related to general disability, and the most frequent diagnoses are psychotic disorders NOS.

Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

This practice parameter reviews the literature on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. The parameter focuses primarily on bipolar 1 disorder because that is the type most often studied in juveniles. The presentation of bipolar disorder in youth, especially children, is often considered atypical compared with that of the classic adult disorder, which is characterized by distinct phases of mania and depression. Children who receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in community settings typically present with rapid fluctuations in mood and behavior, often associated with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behavior disorders. Thus, at this time it is not clear whether the atypical forms of juvenile mania and the classic adult form of the disorder represent the same illness. The question of diagnostic continuity has important treatment and prognostic implications. Although more controlled trials are needed, mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotic agents are generally considered the first line of treatment. Although patients may respond to monotherapy, combination pharmacotherapy is necessary for some youth. Behavioral and psychosocial therapies are also generally indicated for juvenile mania to address disruptive behavior problems and the impact of the illness on family and community functioning.

Structural brain abnormalities in early onset first-episode psychosis

BACKGROUND

Brain morphometry in children and adolescents with first-episode psychosis offer a unique opportunity for pathogenetic investigations.

METHODS

We compared high-resolution 3D T1-weighted magnetic resonance images of the brain in 29 patients (schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, delusional disorder or other non-organic psychosis), aged 10-18 to those of 29 matched controls, using optimized voxel-based morphometry.

RESULTS

Psychotic patients had frontal white matter abnormalities, but expected (regional) gray matter reductions were not observed. Post hoc analyses revealed that schizophrenia patients (n = 15) had significantly larger lateral ventricles as compared to controls. Duration and dose of antipsychotics correlated negatively with global gray matter volume in minimally medicated patients (n = 18).

CONCLUSION

Findings of white matter changes and enlarged lateral ventricles already at illness onset in young schizophrenia spectrum patients, suggests aberrant neurodevelopmental processes in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Gray matter volume changes, however, appear not to be a key feature in early onset first-episode psychosis.

Social skills knowledge and performance among adolescents with bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated social skills deficits among adolescents with bipolar disorder.

METHODS

Adolescents with DMS-IV bipolar disorder (n = 18) and their parents completed social skills assessments when they were experiencing minimal mood symptoms. The control group (n = 18) consisted of adolescents with no history of psychiatric disorders. Participants and their parents rated the adolescents' social performance using the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters. We measured the adolescents' knowledge of appropriate social skills using the Interpersonal Negotiation Strategy Interview. Raters 'blind' to psychiatric status rated the adolescents' responses and their social interactions with an examiner during the assessment.

RESULTS

Adolescents with bipolar disorder displayed significantly more social skills performance deficits than controls. No significant differences emerged between the groups in social skills knowledge. Ratings of social interactions with the examiner failed to distinguish bipolar from control teens, but raters were successful in guessing the psychiatric status of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that bipolar adolescents lag behind their peers in social skills performance, but not social skills knowledge. Results support the hypothesis that difficulties with emotion regulation interfere with the consistent exhibition of appropriate social behaviors.

Psychiatry in orthodontics. Part 1: Typical adolescent psychiatric disorders and their relevance to orthodontic practice

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical and mental development. It is also a time when many diagnosable psychiatric diseases are first noticed. A prior study showed that a high rate of suicidal behavior is seen in orthodontic practices. The orthodontist is in a unique position among medical practitioners because treatment occurs over several years with frequent appointments. This article is a current review of the etiology, diagnosis, and therapy for several pertinent mental disorders that occur in adolescents, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders. All have been associated with high rates of suicidal behavior and completed suicides. With a keen eye for the development of psychiatric issues, the orthodontist is in a position to make appropriate referrals, if needed.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder: consensus and controversies

Since the previous publication of Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines in 1997, there has been a substantial increase in evidence-based treatment options for bipolar disorder. The present guidelines review the new evidence and use criteria to rate strength of evidence and incorporate effectiveness, safety, and tolerability data to determine global clinical recommendations for treatment of various phases of bipolar disorder. The guidelines suggest that although pharmacotherapy forms the cornerstone of management, utilization of adjunctive psychosocial treatments and incorporation of chronic disease management model involving a healthcare team are required in providing optimal management for patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium, valproate and several atypical antipsychotics are first-line treatments for acute mania. Bipolar depression and mixed states are frequently associated with suicidal acts; therefore assessment for suicide should always be an integral part of managing any bipolar patient. Lithium, lamotrigine or various combinations of antidepressant and mood-stabilizing agents are first-line treatments for bipolar depression. First-line options in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder are lithium, lamotrigine, valproate and olanzapine. Historical and symptom profiles help with treatment selection. With the growing recognition of bipolar II disorders, it is anticipated that a larger body of evidence will become available to guide treatment of this common and disabling condition. These guidelines also discuss issues related to bipolar disorder in women and those with comorbidity and include a section on safety and monitoring.

Developing services for the carers of young adults with early-onset psychosis--listening to their experiences and needs

The care-giving experience of carers of young adults with early onset psychosis is relatively unexplored. New carers are less likely to be engaged with local services for carers and families, than those more established in their caring role. Understanding the experience of these carers provides some valuable insight into the value of caring and in guiding service development. This paper reports on a study designed to explore carers' experiences of caring for a young adult diagnosed with a first psychotic episode and their needs in relation to the development of an early intervention for psychosis service. A phenomenological approach was used. Eleven carers were given a semi-structured interview in their own homes. All of the carers in the study had a son with early onset psychosis. The outcome revealed that all carers were providing a comprehensive range of practical, emotional and financial support for their son including initiating and sustaining engagement between them and local mental health services. Many carers were felt to be invisible and silent partners in care and felt under-valued by mental health services.

Early-onset schizophrenia: a 15-year follow-up

The study describes the psychopathological and social outcome of patients treated for schizophrenia in adolescence (mean age at onset 16.0 years/SD 1.52) after a mean follow-up period of 15.4 years (10.2-21.2 years). Out of 55 patients consecutively admitted to hospital, 47 (85 %) could be traced and 39 (71 %) could be re-examined. At follow-up, 33/39 patients (85 %) had had at least one readmission. Full remission of global psychopathological symptoms [Clinical Global Impression (CGI) <or= 2] was found in 3/39 (8 %),a moderate outcome (CGI=3-5) in 22/39 (56 %), and a poor outcome (CGI=6-8) was seen in 14/39 (36 %). Severe or very severe impairments of global social functioning [Global Assessment of Social Function (GAS)< 51] were observed in 20/39 (51 %). The best predictor of global psychopathological and psychosocial outcome was type of onset (CGI: Beta=0.36, GAS: Beta=-0.37). A poor outcome was seen in 22 out of 25 cases with insidious onset. All predictors together explained 58% of the variance in the Positive and Negative Syndrome (PANSS) negative symptom ratings at follow-up. Gender, duration of first inpatient treatment and duration of untreated psychosis were of no predictive value for outcome. The nature of the diagnosis in the first episode strongly predicted the diagnosis given for the whole course after 15 years. In 26/37 cases (70 %), diagnosis at onset and overall diagnoses were the same. Our finding of an incidence of 61% insidious onset is similar to that in adult onset schizophrenia (AOS), but different to very early onset schizophrenia (VEOS), which shows a higher rate of insidious onset, cognitive impairment and poor outcome. Therefore, it seems that VEOS is a special group compared with early onset schizophrenia (EOS) and AOS.

Phenomenology and diagnostic stability of youths with atypical psychotic symptoms

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to better characterize the phenomenology and diagnostic stability of youths that report atypical psychotic symptoms.

METHOD

In a 2-year longitudinal follow-up study, youths reporting atypical psychotic symptoms (n = 20) were compared with youths with schizophrenia (n = 27) and youths with bipolar disorder with psychotic features (n = 22) on psychotic, dissociative, and general symptomatology, comorbid diagnoses, previous abuse, and overall functioning. Diagnoses were obtained using structured diagnostic interviews (i.e., the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV and the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents).

RESULTS

None of the subjects reporting atypical psychotic symptoms went on to develop a classic psychotic illness by the year 2 follow-up. These subjects had significantly higher rates of abuse and dissociative symptoms, and were significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a depressive disorder than youths with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that youths with atypical, fleeting, or situationally specific hallucinations are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder (such as PTSD) than a current or prodromal psychotic illness.

Looking for childhood schizophrenia: case series of false positives

Extensive experience with the diagnosis of childhood-onset schizophrenia indicates a high rate of false positives. Most mislabeled patients have chronic disabling, affective, or behavioral disorders. The authors report the cases of three children who passed stringent initial childhood-onset schizophrenia "screens" but had no chronic psychotic disorder. For two, the European literature yielded more fitting diagnoses: psychosis not otherwise specified (e.g., reactive or psychogenic psychosis, paranoid schizophrenia), single episode in full remission (e.g., anxiety psychosis), and factitious disorder (DSM-IV 300.16). These cases illustrate that transient psychotic illnesses can be misdiagnosed as childhood-onset schizophrenia. Proper identification can prevent years of inappropriate therapies.

Panic attacks and psychopathology among youth

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between panic attacks and mental disorders among youth in the community.

METHOD

Data were drawn from the Methods for the Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders study (n = 1285), a community-based sample of youth aged 9-17. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between panic attacks and the range of mental disorders, diagnosed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children 2.3.

RESULTS

Panic attacks were prevalent among 3.3% of the sample. Panic attacks were associated with an increased likelihood of any anxiety disorders [OR = 4.6 (2.5, 8.5)] and any affective disorder [OR = 5.8 (2.8, 11.7)], as well as social phobia [OR = 2.3 (1.0, 5.4)], specific phobia [OR = 3.4 (1.1, 10.1)], agoraphobia [OR = 2.9 (1.1, 7.6)], generalized anxiety disorder [OR = 4.8 (1.9, 12.1)], separation anxiety disorder [OR = 3.1 (1.3, 7.7)], major depression [OR = 3.6 (1.6, 8.3)], dysthymia [OR = 6.7 (2.9, 15.5)], and hypomania [OR = 26.1 (5.5, 124.1)].

CONCLUSION

These data are consistent with, and extend, previous clinical findings by showing that panic attacks are associated with increased likelihood of a range of affective and anxiety disorders, but not substance use disorders, among youth in the community. The use of longitudinal study designs in future investigations may be useful in increasing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these associations.

The psychotic child

Psychosis in children and adolescents is a relatively rare entity, with a plethora of possible origins. Appropriate evaluation and treatment can stem only from a complete understanding of the differential diagnosis of psychotic presentations in children. Once the acute presentation is stabilized and the cause for the psychosis accurately identified, the child can be referred appropriately to ongoing psychiatric care or substance abuse treatment, or he or she can be handed over to another medical specialty to further treat the underlying cause when there is a medical cause for the psychosis.

Premorbid functioning in early-onset psychotic disorders

OBJECTIVE

To examine the premorbid characteristics of youths with early-onset psychotic disorders.

METHOD

Subjects with early-onset psychotic disorders received an extensive diagnostic evaluation upon entry into the study, including a historic review of premorbid functioning using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale.

RESULTS

Youths with schizophrenia (n = 27), bipolar disorder (n = 22), and psychosis not otherwise specified (NOS) (n = 20) were included. High rates of premorbid behavioral problems and academic difficulties were noted across all subjects. Youths with schizophrenia had higher rates of premorbid social withdrawal and global impairment. They also tended to have fewer friends. The psychosis NOS group had significantly higher rates of abuse histories and posttraumatic stress disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Premorbid abnormalities are common features of early-onset psychotic disorders. The social withdrawal and peer problems specific to youths with schizophrenia likely represent early manifestations of negative symptoms. The abuse histories in the psychosis NOS group may explain the atypical nature of their reported psychotic symptoms, which in many cases are likely posttraumatic phenomena.

Early expression of a pathophysiological feature of schizophrenia: saccadic intrusions into smooth-pursuit eye movements in school-age children vulnerable to schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Neurodevelopmental hypotheses of schizophrenia propose that the responsible pathology occurs much earlier than the usual onset of illness in late adolescence. Nonspecific neurocognitive and behavioral deficits found in children vulnerable to schizophrenia support this hypothesis. This report describes early deficits in a putative genetic endophenotype, saccadic intrusions into smooth-pursuit eye movements (SPEM).

METHOD

SPEM were recorded in 189 children aged 6-15 years: 49 children with schizophrenia, 60 nonpsychotic first-degree relatives, and 80 typically developing children.

RESULTS

Children with schizophrenia demonstrated poorer gain and a significantly increased frequency of leading saccades and large anticipatory saccades; however, only leading saccades differentiated first-degree relatives from typical children. Admixture analysis indicates that 94% of children with schizophrenia, 50% of first-degree relatives, and 19% of typically developing children have abnormally increased frequencies of leading saccades.

CONCLUSIONS

Typically developing young school-age children have a leading saccade phenotype similar to that of adults, suggesting this brain function is fully developed by early school-age years. The abnormal leading saccade phenotype, a schizophrenia-associated familial brain dysfunction, is present by 6 years of age, more than a decade before the highest risk for onset of psychosis. Treatment and prevention strategies will need to consider the early neurodevelopmental nature of schizophrenia.

Adult outcome of social function in adolescent-onset schizophrenia and affective psychosis

OBJECTIVE

To examine and compare the adult outcome in a representative sample of hospitalized adolescent-onset psychoses including occupational and social aspects.

METHOD

A total of 81 patients with a first episode of early-onset psychosis (before age 19 years) presenting to the University Hospital of Lund, Sweden, between 1982 and 1993 were followed up an average of 10.5 years (range 5.1-18.2) after admission. Initial diagnosis was assessed from records and consisted of DSM-IV schizophrenia (n = 32), schizoaffective disorder (n = 7), bipolar disorder (n = 25), and major depressive disorder with psychotic features (n = 17). All could be traced and assigned a major outcome group.

RESULTS

Early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder suffered a chronic course with a poor outcome in 79% of the cases, while early-onset affective psychosis in 74% showed a good or intermediate outcome. The poor outcome (26%) in the affective group was connected to mental retardation in 7% and to progression to a schizoaffective disorder in 12%. A particularly severe outcome was seen for schizophrenia spectrum patients with a family history of nonaffective psychosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Early-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorder showed a severe course while affective psychoses had a much more benign functional outcome.

Symptom factors in early-onset psychotic disorders

OBJECTIVE

To examine the factor structure of symptom ratings in early-onset psychotic illnesses.

METHOD

Subjects were drawn from a 2-year prospective study of early onset psychotic disorders. Principal components analysis with orthogonal (varimax) rotation was used to create factors from baseline ratings on the Schedule for Positive Symptoms, the Schedule for Negative Symptoms, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for Children.

RESULTS

Youths with schizophrenia (n = 27), bipolar disorder (n = 22), and psychosis not otherwise specified (n = 20) were included. Four symptom factors were identified: negative symptoms, positive symptoms, behavioral problems, and dysphoria. Negative symptoms were predictive of the diagnosis of schizophrenia and treatment with antipsychotic medications. Neither behavior problems nor dysphoria were predictive of diagnosis. In subjects who completed follow-up assessments at year 1 (n = 49) and year 2 (n = 39), negative symptoms and behavioral problems predicted poorer functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

The four factors are clinically relevant, with both treatment planning and prognostic implications. Negative symptoms best differentiated schizophrenia from the other disorders. Behavior problems and dysphoria were nonspecific problems that occurred in all three disorders, which likely leads to misdiagnosis in community settings.

The early-onset fearful panic attack as a predictor of severe psychopathology

The objective of this study was to replicate previous findings indicating that early-onset panic attack (< or =20 years) with fear represents a possible prodrome of early-onset severe psychopathology. Data were drawn from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Survey (ECA) (n=20 291), a household sample of adults aged 18 and older drawn from five cities in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to differentiate those with early-onset panic attacks with fear from those with other panic attacks (early-onset without fear, late-onset without fear, late-onset with fear) with regard to psychiatric comorbidity, age at onset of comorbid mental disorders, and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Results of statistical analyses revealed that early-onset fearful panic attack (n=368) was associated with increased likelihood of major affective and substance use disorders, significantly earlier onset of comorbid mental disorders, higher rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, and higher rates of antisocial personality disorder compared with those with other subtypes of panic attacks. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that early-onset fearful panic was independently associated with increased odds of major depression [OR=3.0 (2.6, 3.5)], bipolar disorder [OR=7.9 (5.7, 10.8)], antisocial personality disorder [OR=1.5 (1.3, 1.7)], agoraphobia [OR=1.2 (1.1, 1.4)], simple phobia [OR=1.6 (1.4, 1.8)], and alcohol dependence [OR=1.3 (1.2, 1.5)], compared with those with all other panic attacks. These findings are consistent with previous epidemiologic data and provide new evidence to suggest that early-onset fearful panic attack may be a marker of increased vulnerability to severe and persistent psychopathology and associated with high rates of suicidality.

Childhood-onset schizophrenia: research update

This review is a research update of recent literature related to childhood-onset schizophrenia (onset of psychotic symptoms by age 12 years). This subgroup of patients has attracted considerable research interest because patients with a childhood onset may represent a more homogeneous patient population in which to search for risk or etiologic factors. We examine data indicating that childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) shares the same clinical and neurobiologic features as later-onset forms of the disorder. Compared with adults with schizophrenia, however, this subgroup of patients appears to have more severe premorbid neuro-developmental abnormalities, more cytogenetic anomalies, and potentially greater family histories of schizophrenia and associated spectrum disorders. While preliminary, these data indicate that a greater genetic vulnerability may be one of the underpinnings of COS. Future studies of this subgroup may provide important clues as to the genetic basis for schizophrenia and how gene products influence certain features of the disease, such as age of onset and mode of inheritance.