Ecological assessment of executive functions in adolescents genetically at high risk for schizophrenia

This study sought to examine specific executive deficits in the real-life environment among adolescents genetically at high risk for schizophrenia and understand the role of the genetic risk, victimization and family functioning, and their interaction on the deficits.

The study included 96 non-affected adolescent offspring and siblings of patients with schizophrenia in the high-risk group (HR) and 193 healthy adolescents in the healthy control group (HC), all aged between 9 and 20 years. All participants completed assessments of executive functions (EFs), victimization, and family functioning.

The multivariate analysis revealed that the HR group reported more difficulties on the Shift, Plan/Organize, and Task Completion scale than the HC group. Significant main effects were also detected for victimization level on all domains of EFs and for adaptability level on Inhibit, Working Memory, Plan, and Task Completion scales. Besides, the group×victimization level interactions were significant for Working Memory and Task Completion scales. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the genetic risk and victimization were predictors of executive deficits.

The HR group showed impaired EFs in the everyday environment. And, the genetic risk for schizophrenia and victimization may be related to executive dysfunction. Our results may provide clues about explaining the mechanisms of executive impairments in the HR group and help to identify new targets for early interventions.