Psychoses on the Schizophrenia Spectrum in Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Study of Factors Influencing Neuropsychology, Treatment Outcome, and Negative Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: The present study evaluated the factors influencing the course of disease of children and adolescents in an inpatient rehabilitation suffering from psychosis within the schizophrenia spectrum. Methods: 33 patients (mean age 19.4 years, SD = 2.3), 12 of (36 %) were female, participated. They were assessed with clinical interviews (IRAOS, SANS/SAPS), neuropsychological tests (WAIS-IV, TMT), and questionnaires (FBB, BSCL). Results: The neuropsychological functioning level and the premorbid cognitive performance were correlated, as were treatment success from the patient's perspective with a good relationship with the therapist, and greater negative symptomatology with a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and a longer initial hospital stay. Conclusion: Possible approaches to improving the treatment of adolescents with psychosis of the schizophrenic spectrum include a shortening of the DUP and a good therapeutic relationship.