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Neuromotor precursors of schizophrenia
E F Walker1, T Savoie, D Davis
1Dept. of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Children with preschizophrenia traits exhibit significant neuromotor abnormalities, particularly in early life. These motor deficits, often on the left side, suggest developmental origins for schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neuromotor dysfunction is a known characteristic of schizophrenia.
- Evidence suggests neuromotor dysfunction may precede schizophrenia onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further examine the neuromotor development of children with preschizophrenia traits.
- To investigate developmental precursors of schizophrenia using archival home movies.
Main Methods:
- Archival-observational study using childhood home movies.
- Comparison of neuromotor abnormalities in preschizophrenia children versus control groups (healthy siblings, preaffective disorder subjects, healthy siblings of affective disorder patients, families with no mental illness).
Main Results:
- Preschizophrenia children showed higher rates of neuromotor abnormalities compared to all control groups.
- Poorer motor skills were observed in preschizophrenia subjects versus healthy siblings and preaffective disorder subjects.
- Significant group differences in neuromotor function were found primarily within the first two years of life, with left-sided abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Neuromotor abnormalities in early childhood are associated with preschizophrenia traits.
- Findings support the hypothesis of developmental origins for schizophrenia.
- Left-sided motor deficits may be an early indicator.