The interaction between neurocognitive functioning, subthreshold psychotic symptoms and pharmacotherapy in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A longitudinal comparative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Weinberger ◽  
O. Weisman ◽  
Y. Guri ◽  
T. Harel ◽  
A. Weizman ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most common genetic syndrome associated with schizophrenia. The goal of this study was to evaluate longitudinally the interaction between neurocognitive functioning, the presence of subthreshold psychotic symptoms (SPS) and conversion to psychosis in individuals with 22q11DS. In addition, we attempted to identify the specific neurocognitive domains that predict the longitudinal evolution of positive and negative SPS, as well as the effect of psychiatric medications on 22q11DS psychiatric and cognitive developmental trajectories.MethodsForty-four participants with 22q11DS, 19 with Williams syndrome (WS) and 30 typically developing (TD) controls, age range 12–35 years, were assessed at two time points (15.2 ± 2.1 months apart). Evaluation included the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS), structured psychiatric evaluation and the Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (CNB).Results22q11DS individuals with SPS had a yearly conversion rate to psychotic disorders of 8.8%, compared to none in both WS and TD controls. Baseline levels of negative SPS were associated with global neurocognitive performance (GNP), executive function and social cognition deficits, in individuals with 22q11DS, but not in WS. Deficits in GNP predicted negative SPS in 22q11DS and the emergence or persistence of negative SPS. 22q11DS individuals treated with psychiatric medications showed significant improvement in GNP score between baseline and follow-up assessments, an improvement that was not seen in untreated 22q11DS.ConclusionsOur results highlight the time-dependent interplay among positive and negative SPS symptoms, neurocognition and pharmacotherapy in the prediction of the evolution of psychosis in 22q11DS.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler M. Moore ◽  
Deby Salzer ◽  
Carrie E. Bearden ◽  
Monica E. Calkins ◽  
Wendy R. Kates ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pathways leading to psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have been the focus of intensive research during the last two decades. One of the common clinical risk factors for the evolution of psychosis in 22q11.2DS is the presence of positive and negative subthreshold psychotic symptoms. The gold standard for measuring subthreshold symptoms is the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) and its accompanying Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS) ratings. Although the scale has been used by many centers studying 22q11.2DS, the inter-site reliability of the scale in this population has never been established. Methods In the present study, experienced clinical assessors from three large international centers studying 22q11.2DS independently rated video recordings of 18 adolescents and young adults with 22q11.2DS. Results The intraclass correlations coefficients (ICCs) among three raters for the SOPS total scores, as well as for the positive, negative, and disorganization subscale scores, were good-to-excellent (ICCs range 0.73–0.93). The raters were also able to reliably determine the subjects’ subthreshold syndrome status (ICC = 0.71). The reliability of individual items was good-to-excellent for all items, ranging from 0.61 for motor disturbances [G3] to 0.95 for bizarre thinking. Conclusions Our results show that trained clinicians can reliably screen for subthreshold psychotic symptoms in individuals with 22q11.2DS. To increase assessment reliability, we suggest specific clarifications and simplifications to the standard SIPS interview for future studies.


2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1267-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. X. Tang ◽  
J. J. Yi ◽  
M. E. Calkins ◽  
D. A. Whinna ◽  
C. G. Kohler ◽  
...  

BackgroundChromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a common genetic disorder with high rates of psychosis and other psychopathologies, but few studies discuss treatment. Our aim was to characterize the prevalence and treatment of major psychiatric illnesses in a well-characterized sample of individuals with 22q11DS.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study of 112 individuals aged 8 to 45 years with a confirmed diagnosis of 22q11DS. Each participant was administered a modified Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS) and the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS). Phenotypes assessed were threshold and subthreshold psychosis, depression, mania, generalized and separation anxiety, obsessions/compulsions, inattention/hyperactivity and substance use. Histories of mental health care and current psychotropic treatment were obtained.ResultsPsychopathology was common, with 79% of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for a disorder at the time of assessment. Diagnoses of psychosis were made in 11% of cases, attenuated positive symptom syndrome (APS) in 21%, and 47% experienced significant subthreshold symptoms. Peak occurrence of psychosis risk was during adolescence (62% of those aged 12–17 years). Criteria for a mood disorder were met by 14%, for anxiety disorder 34% and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 31%. Mental health care had been received by 63% of individuals in their lifetime, but only 40% continued therapy and 39% used psychotropics. Antipsychotics were used by 42% of participants with psychosis and none of the participants with APS. Half of those at risk for psychosis were receiving no mental health care.ConclusionsPsychopathology is common in 22q11DS but is not adequately treated or clinically followed. Particular attention should be paid to subthreshold psychotic symptoms, especially in adolescents.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S82-S83
Author(s):  
S. Guerrera ◽  
M. Armando ◽  
M. Pontillo ◽  
F. Papaleo ◽  
S. Vicari

Introduction22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) results from a hemizygous microdeletion on chromosome 22 and is characterized by phenotypic variability. Several studies have been conducted on the impact of COMT functional polymorphism in 22q11DS, suggesting that attenuated psychotic manifestations are frequent in children and adolescents and represent one of the strongest predictors for the onset of psychotic disorder.ObjectivesWe explored possible interaction between COMT polymorphism and subclinical psychiatric symptoms in a 22q11.2DS cohort of 42 participants aged 6 to 26 years: 17 hemizygosity for COMT-Met and 25 hemizygosity for COMT-Val.AimsTo analyse impact of COMT gene in 22q11DS and its related psychiatric correlates.MethodEach participant, genotyped for the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) Met/Val polymorphism, underwent structured psychiatric and cognitive assessment. Analysis of positive and negative symptoms was performed by the structured interview for prodromal syndromes (SIPS). Finally, longitudinal data available in a subsample of 24 individuals were used to explore the developmental trajectories of psychotic symptoms one year later.ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between COMT Val polymorphism and positive symptoms; at follow-up, no significant correlation were found between COMT polymorphism and psychiatric symptoms. No other significant differences were found between groups (Comt/Met-Comt/Val) on any other CBCL or QI score.ConclusionsCOMT and additional genes microdeleted might interact in the susceptibility to schizophrenia in 22q11.2DS: psychotic symptoms might result from an epistatic interaction with other genes. Moreover, gene-environment, in presence of genetic vulnerability could increase the risk of schizophrenia in 22q11DS.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 633-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Canice E. Crerand ◽  
Ari N. Rabkin

Purpose This article reviews the psychosocial risks associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a relatively common genetic condition associated with a range of physical and psychiatric problems. Risks associated with developmental stages from infancy through adolescence and early adulthood are described, including developmental, learning, and intellectual disabilities as well as psychiatric disorders including anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Other risks related to coping with health problems and related treatments are also detailed for both affected individuals and their families. Conclusion The article ends with strategies for addressing psychosocial risks including provision of condition-specific education, enhancement of social support, routine assessment of cognitive abilities, regular mental health screening, and referrals for empirically supported psychiatric and psychological treatments.


2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Debbané ◽  
Bronwyn Glaser ◽  
Melissa K. David ◽  
Carl Feinstein ◽  
Stephan Eliez

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
A. Bahji ◽  
S. Khalid-Khan

22q11.2 duplication syndrome is a recently discovered genetic syndrome with unclear neuropsychiatric sequelae. While its connection to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is actively investigated, case reports on the neuropsychiatric sequelae of affected individuals have been previously described, largely focusing on comorbid autism spectrum disorder. Here, we present the case of an 8-year-old female experiencing episodes of severe behavioural regression following medical illness. We analyze the case and relate it to the available literature and identify potential risk factors.


2007 ◽  
Vol 164 (4) ◽  
pp. 663-669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doron Gothelf ◽  
Carl Feinstein ◽  
Tracy Thompson ◽  
Eugene Gu ◽  
Lauren Penniman ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petya D. Radoeva ◽  
Wanda Fremont ◽  
Kevin M. Antshel ◽  
Wendy R. Kates

AbstractVelocardiofacial syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), is associated with an increased risk of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The emergence of psychotic symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia in the general population is often preceded by a premorbid period of poor or worsening social and/or academic functioning. Our current study evaluated premorbid adjustment (via the Cannon–Spoor Premorbid Adjustment Scale [PAS]) and psychotic symptoms (via the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children—Present and Lifetime Version) in youth with 22q11DS (N = 96), unaffected siblings (N = 40), and community controls (N = 50). The PAS scores indicated greater maladjustment during all developmental periods in individuals with 22q11DS compared to the controls. Many participants with 22q11DS had chronically poor (n = 33) or deteriorating (n = 6) PAS scores. In 22q11DS, chronically poor PAS trajectories and poor childhood and early adolescence academic domain and total PAS scores significantly increased the risk of prodromal symptoms or overt psychosis. Taking into account the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype, the best predictor of (prodromal) psychosis was the early adolescence academic domain score, which yielded higher sensitivity and specificity in the subgroup of youth with 22q11DS and the high-activity (valine) allele. PAS scores may help identify individuals at higher risk for psychosis.


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