Detecting schizophrenia in the prodromal phase: screening of genetic risk relatives

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Date
2009
Authors
Salleh, Mohd Razali
Othman, Zahiruddin
Alwi, Muhd Najib Mohd
Yassin, Mohd Azhar Mohd
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Background: To screen and detect individuals at ultra high risk (UHR) for psychosis and evaluate the efficacy of a screening program. Methods: This a two-stage study involving relatives of patients with schizophrenia. The nonfirst degree relatives were additionally screened with the Screening Questionnaires ( SQ), besides the GHQ-12 and GAF in the first stage. All the positive subjects will proceed to the second stage assessment. Results: Sixty four (14.2 %) of 450 selective relatives were positive in the first stage. In the second stage, only 14 (3.1 %) were positive (UHR subject). The sensitivity of the SQ (67%) was much better than the GHQ (29%), but the specificity was not much difference. The d~t~ction rate of UHR individuals was higher in non-first degree relatives. Implications: Screening of genetic risk relatives is feasible. The high detection rate among non-first degree relatives is contributed by the addition of the SQ. The GHQ is not suitable for screening in early psychosis.
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Keywords
schizophrenia
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