J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2006 Jan;45(1):3-10.

Cognition, Emotion and Social Function: Are Vulnerability Markers for Developing Schizophrenia?

• Lee KJ
• Wee W
• Yoo SY
• Lee AR
• Song JY
• Ha TH
• Hong KS
• Kim MS
• Kwon JS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Vulnerability marker in biological relatives of schizophrenia may be very useful in identifying the propensity for the development of schizophrenia. This study suggests that the relatives at risk for genetically developing schizophrenia have impairments in several domains of cognition, social function and affective function as a vulnerability marker.
METHODS
A neurocognitve function test, a social function test and an affective function test were administered to fifteen healthy relatives from families with two or more patients with schizophrenia (geneticallly high risk subjects). Fifteen healthy controls matched for age and gender were recruited in this study.
RESULTS
Compared to the control subject, the genetic high risk subjects performed significantly more poorly in the selective attention and recall memory of neurocognitive function. The high risk subjects also had lower scores in independence-performance and independence-competence of the social function test and emotion control of the affective function test.
CONCLUSION
Selective attention, recall memory, independence-performance, independence-competence and emotion control ability may be a valuable marker for genetic study of schizophrenia.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Genetic high risk; Neurocognitive function; Selective attention; Recall memory; Independence-performance; Independence-competence; Emotion control

MeSH Terms

Cognition*
Humans
Memory
Schizophrenia*