T35. SPEED OF FACE PROCESSING PREDICTS PSYCHOSIS IN AT-RISK YOUTHS

Abstract

Background: Face processing deficits characterize schizophrenia, including in prodromal stages. Baseline face processing deficits predict psychosis onset in clinical high-risk (CHR) youths, specifically in fear/anger processing (Corcoran, 2015). Here, we evaluate the predictive value for psychosis onset, specifically of speed of face processing in CHR youths. Method(s): In a cohort of 49 CHR patients (of whom 7 later transitioned to psychosis), and 31 healthy controls, we examined reaction times for face processing using the UPenn battery, including the Emotion Recognition (ER-40; Kohler 2005), Emotion Discrimination (EMODIFF), Emotional Acuity (PEAT), Facial Identification, as well as motor praxis. Result(s): CHR converters had significantly slower reaction time for face emotion recognition (FER) (p=.008), but not discrimination, acuity or facial identification. They also had slower motor praxis and greater baseline prodromal symptom severity (p