Six-year trajectories and associated factors of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients, siblings, and controls: Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study

Abstract

Positive and negative symptoms are prominent but heterogeneous characteristics of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). Within the framework of the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) longitudinal cohort study, we aimed to distinguish and identify the genetic and non-genetics predictors of homogenous subgroups of the long-term course of positive and negative symptoms in SSD patients (n = 1119) and their unaffected siblings (n = 1059) in comparison to controls (n = 586). Data were collected at baseline, and after 3- and 6-year follow-ups. Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to identify latent subgroups using positive and negative symptoms or schizotypy scores. A multinomial random-effects logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of latent subgroups. Patients had decreasing, increasing, and relapsing symptoms course. Unaffected siblings and healthy controls had three to four subgroups characterized by stable, decreasing, or increasing schizotypy. PRSSCZ did not predict the latent subgroups. Baseline symptoms severity in patients, premorbid adjustment, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in siblings predicted long-term trajectories while were nonsignificant in controls. In conclusion, up to four homogenous latent subgroups of symptom course can be distinguished within patients, siblings, and controls, while non-genetic factors are the main factors associated with the latent subgroups.

Association of clinical symptoms and cardiometabolic dysregulations in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

“…This analysis utilized composite scores from cognitive assessments and mean scores of PANSS positive and negative subscales, based on measurements collected at three time points of baseline, 3 years, and 6 years during the follow-up period spanning 6 years. Our previous studies have delineated five distinct cognitive trajectory groups, three distinct positive symptom trajectory groups, and three distinct negative symptom trajectory groups [38][39][40].…”

“…The clinical trajectory refers to the discernible pattern, such as stability, fluctuations, decline, or improvement, in the overall cognitive functioning and the severity of positive and negative symptoms. To ascertain groups of patients exhibiting similar patterns of cognitive function, as well as levels of positive and negative symptoms, we employed group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) as described in detail elsewhere [38][39][40]. This analysis utilized composite scores from cognitive assessments and mean scores of PANSS positive and negative subscales, based on measurements collected at three time points of baseline, 3 years, and 6 years during the follow-up period spanning 6 years.…”

Comparing the Perspectives of Generative AI, Mental Health Experts, and the General Public on Schizophrenia Recovery: Case Vignette Study

“…It has a major impact on life expectancy and quality of life, and its repercussions extend to family and caregivers [ 2 ]. The disorder presents a complex array of symptoms, both “positive” (eg, delusions and hallucinations) and “negative” (eg, emotional flatness and social withdrawal) [ 3 ]. Negative symptoms are especially resistant to current treatments [ 4 ].…”

“…Negative symptoms are especially resistant to current treatments [ 4 ]. Despite the complexity and impact of this disorder, a subset of individuals with schizophrenia may have a favorable prognosis; exhibit symptom reduction; and achieve positive outcomes in education, employment, and relationships [ 3 ].…”