Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Risk factors of psychosis: identifying vulnerable populations premorbidly
1Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
Insights
Identifying early psychosis risk factors, including family history and behavioral patterns, aids in primary intervention. Teacher ratings are powerful predictors of psychosis in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Premorbid psychosis indicators are crucial for early intervention strategies.
- Risk markers are categorized into etiological factors and latent mental illness signals.
- Teacher ratings are potent predictors of adult mental breakdown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review premorbid indicators of psychosis relevant for primary intervention.
- To examine teacher ratings as predictors of psychosis in a high-risk population.
- To identify potential protective factors for primary prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of etiological factors (family history, perinatal complications, neurodevelopmental deficits).
- Analysis of latent mental illness precursors (personality traits, teacher ratings).
- Focus on a specific study assessing teacher ratings in a high-risk cohort.
Main Results:
- Early etiological factors and latent mental illness signs serve as risk markers.
- Teacher ratings demonstrate significant predictive power for psychosis.
- Risk indicators may inform the development of protective factors.
Conclusions:
- Premorbid indicators, particularly teacher ratings, are vital for early psychosis intervention.
- Understanding risk factors can guide the development of primary prevention strategies.
- Further research into protective factors is warranted for comprehensive intervention.
Abstract:
This article reviews premorbid indicators of psychosis that may be relevant to primary intervention. These risk markers are divided into two categories: (1) precursors related to early etiological factors (family psychiatric history, perinatal and obstetric complications, neurobehavior deficits, early parental separation, institutionalization, and poor family function) and (2) precursors signaling latent mental illness (personality measurements indicating proneness to psychosis, and teacher ratings indicating emotional lability, social anxiety, social withdrawal, passivity, poor peer relations, and disruptive and aggressive behavior). Because teacher ratings have been shown to be powerful predictors of adult mental breakdown, part of this article focuses on a specific study that assesses such ratings as predictors of psychosis in a high-risk population. Risk indicators may also provide clues about protective factors relevant for primary prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Schizophrenia
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

