Psychotic-like experiences from adolescence to adulthood: A longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Developmental Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) exist on a spectrum, present in the general population.
• The predictive value of adolescent PLEs for adult outcomes remains unclear.
• Distinguishing PLEs as a unique risk factor versus a symptom of general psychopathology is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if adolescent PLEs predict future PLEs in adulthood.
• To determine if PLEs are an independent risk factor for later psychopathology.
• To examine the relationship between early PLEs and other mental health symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A community-based cohort of 1146 adolescents (mean age 14.38) was followed for 6 years.
• Participants self-reported PLEs, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and conduct problems at baseline and follow-up.
• Logistic regression analyses adjusted for psychopathology symptoms and sex differences.

Main Results:

• Adolescent PLEs significantly predicted adult PLEs, even after controlling for other psychopathology.
• Anxiety during adolescence also predicted adult PLEs, though to a lesser extent.
• Persistent PLEs were associated with more adolescent hallucinations; sex differences in prediction were not significant, though females reported more PLEs.

Conclusions:

• Early occurrence of PLEs is an independent predictor of future PLEs.
• Monitoring adolescent PLEs can identify individuals at high risk for future psychopathology.
• Early interventions targeting adolescents with PLEs are warranted.