The Initial Prodrome in Schizophrenia: Searching for Naturalistic Core Dimensions of Experience and Behavior

摘要: The scientific exploration of prepsychotic detection and intervention in psychosis has just commenced. To identify developing at prodromal stages, it is important to learn how patients families perceive initial prodromes naturalistically. We must understand better what we are going detect, because the essential components this phase, particularly subjective experiences, remain unsettled. In a series 19 first episode DSM-IV schizophrenia patients, explore phenomena depth potential core dimensions. On basis our findings, describe experiences behaviors that appear be prodromes. subjects reported serious difficulties interpreting talking about time these occurred, causing delayed identification. report detailed reasons for this, pointing out vulnerable aspects at-risk assessments. From eight proposed groups two highlighted as tentative dimensions: "disturbance perception self" "extreme preoccupation by withdrawal overvalued ideas." Four dimensions behavior also identified: (1) quit school, university, or job, major school truancy, (2) marked lasting observable shift interests, (3) social passivity, withdrawal, isolation, (4) change global appearance behavior. argue phenomena, their significance valid they logical coherent light clinical experience well empirical literature full century.