High-risk studies and neurodevelopmental hypothesis

Author(s):  
J. Parnas ◽  
J. W. Carter
CNS Spectrums ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matcheri S. Keshavan ◽  
Perambur N. Jayakumar ◽  
Vaibhav A. Diwadkar ◽  
Amitabh Singh

ABSTRACTStudies on schizophrenia (SZ) have documented an increased presence of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) in individuals suffering from the illness. Moreover, the presence of CSP has been cited in support of the early neurodevelopmental hypothesis in SZ. Our objective was to assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of first-episode patients and healthy controls to evaluate the frequency of CSP. The presence and the size of CSP were visually assessed on the MRI scans of 40 first-episode SZ patients, 19 nonpsychotic child and high-risk adolescent offspring of patients with SZ or schizoaffective disorder, and 59 controls. Our analysis revealed an absence of statistically significant differences in the occurrence of CSP between SZ patients, high-risk subjects, and controls. Even when the analysis was restricted to large CSP, no differences were found. Furthermore, no association between CSP and sex or handedness was observed. The absence of CSP abnormalities in first-episode SZ subjects might indicate that SZ is not characterized by developmentally mediated alterations in CSP. Also, family history of SZ might not increase likelihood for CSP.


2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1501-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. CUNNINGHAM OWENS ◽  
EVE C. JOHNSTONE

Background. In schizophrenia research, ‘high risk’ traditionally referred to studies of the offspring of schizophrenic parents at genetically enhanced risk of illness development. Sixteen major high-risk studies have been undertaken although only six followed through to formal illness so data on prediction remain weak. Recently, ‘high risk’ has widened to encompass individuals considered ‘at risk’ by having ‘high risk mental states’, regardless of family history, in whom initiation of early treatment is postulated to improve outcome.Method. The major familial high-risk studies are reviewed from the perspective of the Edinburgh High Risk Study of Schizophrenia (EHRS), with emphasis on prediction.Results. Familial high-risk studies have established multiple biological markers, the most reproducible of which relate to neuromotor development and cognition, especially aspects of memory/learning. Although most are probably not specific, they support a neurodevelopmental hypothesis. Family and environmental variables point largely to secondary or indirect associations. Pre-illness, non-specific affective symptomatology may be of greater predictive power than most psychotic phenomena.Conclusions. Traditional high-risk designs embody many problems but are able to distinguish non-specific markers from illness predictors, and are ideally suited to exploring the evolution of schizophrenia both clinically and biologically (especially with imaging techniques). The EHRS supports the view that greater specificity may accrue to cognitive domains as precursors of predictive utility.


1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Fitch ◽  
Thomas F. Williams ◽  
Josephine E. Etienne

The critical need to identify children with hearing loss and provide treatment at the earliest possible age has become increasingly apparent in recent years (Northern & Downs, 1978). Reduction of the auditory signal during the critical language-learning period can severely limit the child's potential for developing a complete, effective communication system. Identification and treatment of children having handicapping conditions at an early age has gained impetus through the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP) projects funded by the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped (BEH).


1983 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-110

For the November 1982 JSHD article, "A Community Based High Risk Register for Hearing Loss," the author would like to acknowledge three additional individuals who made valuable contributions to the study. They are Marie Carrier, Gene Lyon, and Bobbie Robertson.


1997 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1247-1253 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. BURR ◽  
T. G. MERRETT ◽  
F. D. J. DUNSTAN ◽  
M. J. MAGUIRE
Keyword(s):  

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A120-A121
Author(s):  
H STRUL ◽  
E BIRENBAUM ◽  
B STERN ◽  
D KAZANOV ◽  
L THEODOR ◽  
...  

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A376-A376
Author(s):  
B JEETSANDHU ◽  
R JAIN ◽  
J SINGH ◽  
M JAIN ◽  
J SHARMA ◽  
...  

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A741-A741
Author(s):  
P ANG ◽  
D SCHRAG ◽  
K SCHNEIDER ◽  
K SHANNON ◽  
J JOHNSON ◽  
...  

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