Neuropsychological and neurophysiological findings in individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia: preliminary results from the Basel early detection of psychosis study – Früherkennung von Psychosen (FEPSY)

OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to establish a scientific basis for the very early detection of patients at risk for schizophrenia during the nonspecific prodromal phase of the disorder and to predict its outbreak. METHOD: A multidomain approach is used. After screening, approved psychopathological, neurophysiological, neuropsychological and neuroradiological investigations are used to assess a sample of individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia. RESULTS: Neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements showed statistically significant differences (P<0.01) between individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Individuals suspected to be at risk for schizophrenia show specific impairments in various investigations including neuropsychological and fine motor functioning tests as well as eye movement measurements. A set of methods sensitive to even subtle changes in normal functioning may prove useful in predicting the subsequent outbreak of schizophrenia.