Cognitive decline following psychosis onset

Abstract

Background Background The origin of cognitive The origin of cognitive impairments in psychotic disorders is still impairments in psychotic disorders is still unclear. Although some deficits are unclear. Although some deficits are apparent prior to the onset of frank illness, apparent prior to the onset of frank illness, it is unknown if they progress. it is unknown if they progress. Aims Aims To investigate whether cognitive To investigate whether cognitive function declined over the transition to function declined over the transition to psychosis in a group of ultra-high risk psychosis in a group of ultra-high risk individuals. individuals. Method Method Participants consisted of two Participants consisted of two groups: controls (groups: controls (n n¼17) and individuals at 17) and individuals at ultra-high risk for development of ultra-high risk for development of psychosis (psychosis (n n¼16). Seven of the latter group 16). Seven of the latter group later developed psychosis. later developed psychosis. Neuropsychological testing was Neuropsychological testing was conducted at baseline and again after at conducted at baseline and again after at least a12-month interval. least a12-month interval. Results Results Both theVisual Reproduction Both theVisual Reproduction sub-test of the Wechsler Memory Scale-sub-test of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised and Trail-MakingTest B showed a Revised and Trail-MakingTest B showed a decline over the follow-up period that was decline over the follow-up period that was specific to the group who became specific to the group who became psychotic.In addition, both high-risk psychotic.In addition, both high-risk groups showed a decline in digit span groups showed a decline in digit span performance.No other task showed performance.No other task showed significant change over time. significant change over time.