A comparative study of prepulse inhibition in children with first episode schizophrenia and normal children

Abstract

Objective·To explore the characteristics of sensory gating and its variation in children with first episode schizophrenia (COS) by using a new technique of prepulse suppression (PI).Methods·By using the ERP recording and analysis system of brain products, PI was detected in 56 patients with COS and 38 healthy children (NC) using the paradigm of single strong stimulus and weak stimulus+strong stimulus. The patients′ performance was comprehensively evaluated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), Social Adjustment Rating Scale (SSRS), and Family Interview Schedule (FIS).Results·The social objective support formed by summing up the above scales was compared with the quantitative stanard of social support [the standard of social support scale was (8±2) points, and the value of COS group was (10±3) points], and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.007). No correlation was found between PI and PANSS total score and each factor score (all P>0.05). The latency of startle reflex in the COS group was longer than that in the NC group [the NC group was (86±11) ms, the COS group was (97±13) ms, P=0.001]. In the COS group, the amplitude of startle reflex of weak stimulus+strong stimulus was higher, and the latency was longer than that of the NC group [NC group: (39±12) μV, COS group (47±21) μV, P=0.007; the latency of the normal group was (84±17) ms, and that of the COS group was (97±20) ms, P=0.003]. PI inhibition rate in the COS group was lower than that in the NC group [(66±32) % in the NC group, (43±37) % in the COS group, P=0.000].Conclusion·COS patients have the same PI abnormality as adult schizophrenia. The change of PI inhibition may be the result of biological markers reflecting the change of agitated emotion in COS patients.

Keywords

• schizophrenia
• children
• prepulse inhibition (pi)
• biological markers (bm)