Spatial working memory deficits in adolescents at clinical high risk for schizophrenia

Schizophr Res. 2006 Jan 31;81(2-3):211-5. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2005.09.019.

Abstract

Identifying endophenotypic markers is crucial to schizophrenia research for finding appropriate preventive strategies. Working memory (WM) deficit has been suggested as a marker for schizophrenia but its presence in adolescents at high risk is understudied. We piloted a test of spatial WM function in adolescents at clinical high risk (CHR) for schizophrenia and in age- and IQ-matched low-risk control subjects. CHR adolescents showed deficits in spatial WM compared with controls but showed intact performance on a non-WM-demanding spatial control task. Although based on a small pilot study, the results strongly suggest that WM deficit may be a risk factor for psychosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term*
  • Orientation*
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual*
  • Phenotype
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reaction Time
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Risk
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / genetics*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Schizotypal Personality Disorder / psychology*