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Childhood-onset schizophrenia: an NIMH study in progress
C T Gordon1, J A Frazier, K McKenna
1Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study investigates childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS), finding similar eye-tracking and autonomic patterns to adult-onset schizophrenia. Neuroimaging reveals distinct brain structure and metabolic differences in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare and severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Differentiating COS from autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions is challenging.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of COS is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an ongoing multidisciplinary study of COS.
- To present pilot data on phenomenology, genetics, neuropsychology, physiology, neuroimaging, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
- To explore potential differences and similarities between COS and later-onset schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological assessment, genetic analysis, neuropsychological testing.
- Physiological measures including eye tracking and autonomic responsivity.
- Neuroimaging (MRI, FDG-PET) and biochemical/pharmacological assessments.
Main Results:
- Eye-tracking and autonomic responsivity in COS subjects resemble patterns seen in adult-onset schizophrenia.
- MRI revealed enlarged left frontal ventricular horn area and altered caudate nucleus asymmetry in COS.
- FDG-PET showed decreased right parietal/occipital metabolism and increased metabolism in specific left frontal, left parietal, and right putamen regions.
Conclusions:
- COS exhibits distinct neurobiological markers, including structural and metabolic brain alterations.
- Early findings suggest potential continuity between childhood-onset and later-onset schizophrenia.
- Clozapine shows promise in adolescents with treatment-resistant COS, warranting further investigation.