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Published on: November 21, 2013
Exploring the longitudinal course of motor dexterity in first-episode psychosis: a 10-year follow-up
Manuel Sevilla-Ramos1, Valentina Ladera1, Ricardo García-García1
1Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
Abstract:
This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes in motor dexterity (MD) performance in first episode of psychosis (FEP), focusing on diagnosis-specific trajectories. Participants were recruited from the project PAFIP in Spain (134 FEP, 84 HC). MD was assessed using the Grooved Pegboard Test at baseline and at 10-year follow-up. Clinical and premorbid data were collected for the patients. FEP participants were classified as having schizophrenia (SCZ) or other psychosis (OP) and compared with a group of healthy controls (HC). MD correlated significantly with age and intelligence in all participants. MD in SCZ patients was additionally correlated with premorbid adjustment and negative symptoms, whereas in the OP group the association was with antipsychotic dose. SCZ patients showed a slight decline in MD at follow-up, whereas the OP and HC groups remained stable. There may be different long-term trajectories of MD across diagnoses in FEP patients. Early developmental factors such as premorbid adaptation and cognitive function, together with age-related changes, may influence a mild decline in MD specifically in schizophrenia.
Insights
Motor dexterity (MD) trajectories differ in first episode of psychosis (FEP). Schizophrenia patients showed a slight MD decline over 10 years, unlike other psychosis and healthy groups, suggesting diagnosis-specific long-term changes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Motor dexterity (MD) is often impaired in psychosis.
- Longitudinal changes in MD within first episode of psychosis (FEP) are not well understood.
- Understanding diagnosis-specific MD trajectories is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in MD performance in FEP patients.
- To compare MD trajectories across schizophrenia (SCZ), other psychosis (OP), and healthy controls (HC).
- To identify factors influencing MD changes in FEP.
Main Methods:
- Assessed MD using the Grooved Pegboard Test at baseline and 10-year follow-up in 134 FEP and 84 HC participants.
- Classified FEP into SCZ and OP groups.
- Collected clinical and premorbid data.
Main Results:
- MD correlated with age and intelligence in all groups.
- In SCZ, MD correlated with premorbid adjustment and negative symptoms; in OP, with antipsychotic dose.
- SCZ patients showed a slight MD decline, while OP and HC groups remained stable over 10 years.
Conclusions:
- Long-term motor dexterity trajectories vary significantly across diagnoses in first episode of psychosis.
- Premorbid adaptation, cognitive function, and age-related changes may contribute to a mild MD decline specifically in schizophrenia.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering diagnostic subtypes when examining long-term outcomes in FEP.
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