Differential relationship between neurological and cognitive dysfunction in first episode psychosis patients and in healthy individuals.

The minor neurological and cognitive deficits consistently reported in psychoses may reflect the same underlying brain dysfunction. Still, even in healthy individuals minor neurological abnormalities are associated with worse cognitive function. Therefore, establishing which neurological and cognitive deficits are specific to psychosis is essential to inform the pathophysiology of this disorder.

Translating the epidemiology of psychosis into public mental health: evidence, challenges and future prospects.

Genetic and environmental factors are associated with psychosis risk, but the latter present more tangible markers for prevention. We conducted a theoretical exercise to estimate the proportion of psychotic illnesses that could be prevented if we could identify and remove all factors that lead to increased incidence associated with ethnic minority status and urbanicity. Measures of impact by population density and ethnicity were estimated from incidence rate ratios [IRR] obtained from two methodologically-similar first episode psychosis studies in four UK centres.

The prevalence, diagnostic significance and demographic characteristics of Schneiderian first-rank symptoms in an epidemiological sample of first-episode psychoses.

Background: The diagnostic significance of first-rank symptoms (FRSs) remains uncertain. Ethnic differences in FRSs may account for high rates of schizophrenia in minority groups. This study aims to examine the prevalence of FRSs in an epidemiological sample of first-episode psychoses stratified by relevant demographic variables.

Neurological abnormalities and cognitive ability in first-episode psychosis.

Background: It remains unclear if the excess of neurological soft signs, or of certain types of neurological soft signs, is common to all psychoses, and whether this excess is simply an epiphenomenon of the lower general cognitive ability present in psychosis.

Aims: To investigate whether an excess of neurological soft signs is independent of diagnosis (schizophrenia v. affective psychosis) and cognitive ability (IQ).

Self-harm in first-episode psychosis.

Background: Little is known about self-harm occurring during the period of untreated first-episode psychosis.

Aims: To establish the prevalence, nature, motivation and risk factors for self-harm occurring during the untreated phase of first-episode psychosis.

Method: As part of the AESOP (Aetiology and Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses) study, episodes of self-harm were identified among all incident cases of psychosis presenting to services in south-east London and Nottingham over a 2-year period.

Duration of untreated psychosis and neuropsychological function in first episode psychosis.

Purpose: We investigated whether duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) prior to first presentation was associated with cognitive function in first episode psychosis (FEP) subjects. We predicted that longer DUP would be associated with greater neurocognitive impairment.

Method: 180 subjects with schizophrenia (and 93 subjects with Other Psychoses) performed a neurocognitive battery assessing IQ, verbal learning, working memory, visual learning and speed of processing.

Incidence of schizophrenia and other psychoses in ethnic minority groups: results from the MRC AESOP Study.

Background: The incidence of schizophrenia in the African-Caribbean population in England is reported to be raised. We sought to clarify whether (a) the rates of other psychotic disorders are increased, (b) whether psychosis is increased in other ethnic minority groups, and (c) whether particular age or gender groups are especially at risk.

Method: We identified all people (n=568) aged 16-64 years presenting to secondary services with their first psychotic symptoms in three well-defined English areas (over a 2-year period in Southeast London and Nottingham and a 9-month period in Bristol).

Heterogeneity in incidence rates of schizophrenia and other psychotic syndromes: findings from the 3-center AeSOP study.

Context: Convention suggests uniformity of incidence of schizophrenia and other psychoses; variation would have implications for their causes and biological characteristics.

Objective: To investigate variability in the incidence of psychotic syndromes in terms of place, ethnicity, age, and sex.

Design: Three-center, prospective, comprehensive survey of clinically relevant first-onset psychotic syndromes over a 2-year period (1997-1999).

Determining the chronology and components of psychosis onset: The Nottingham Onset Schedule (NOS).

The Nottingham Onset Schedule (NOS) is a short, guided interview and rating schedule to measure onset in psychosis. Onset is defined as the time between the first reported/observed change in mental state/behaviour to the development of psychotic symptoms. Onset is conceptualised as comprising of (i) a prodrome of two parts: a period of 'unease' followed by 'non-diagnostic' symptoms; (ii) appearance of psychotic symptoms; and (iii) a build-up of diagnostic symptoms leading to a definite diagnosis.

Incidence of bipolar affective disorder in three UK cities: results from the AESOP study.

Background: There has been a relative dearth of epidemiological research into bipolar affective disorder. Furthermore, incidence studies of bipolar disorder have been predominantly retrospective and most only included hospital admission cases.

Aims: To determine the incidence of operationally defined bipolar disorder in three areas of the UK and to investigate any differences in gender and ethnicity.

Minor physical anomalies in schizophrenia: is age a confounding factor?

Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) occur more frequently in a range of developmental disorders. They are also more frequent in schizophrenia supporting a neurodevelopmental aetiology of the illness. Contemporary MPA scales are yet to be validated for the effects of age.