Publications [#273461] of Richard S. Keefe

Journal Articles

1. Hawkins, KA; Keefe, RSE; Christensen, BK; Addington, J; Woods, SW; Callahan, J; Zipursky, RB; Perkins, DO; Tohen, M; Breier, A; McGlashan, TH (2008). Neuropsychological course in the prodrome and first episode of psychosis: findings from the PRIME North America Double Blind Treatment Study.. Schizophrenia Research, 105(1-3), 1-9. [doi]
   (last updated on 2024/01/01)

   Abstract:
   OBJECTIVE: There is uncertainty regarding the onset timing of the cognitive deficiencies of schizophrenia. We investigated whether conversion to psychosis and/or olanzapine altered the neuropsychological course of subjects within the first-ever double blind medication study of the putative schizophrenia first episode prodrome. METHOD: Sixty participants in a double blind trial of olanzapine as a treatment for putative prodromal states were assessed at entry (pre-randomization), and again at 6 and 12 months (if they remained non-psychotic), or at any of these points prior to psychosis followed by post-psychosis and 6 months post-psychosis assessments. RESULTS: Participants who converted to psychosis did not differ from placebo non-converters in pre-randomization global neuropsychological status. Early converters did not differ from later converters in entry neuropsychological status. Subjects who converted after 6 months did not show neuropsychological declines during the initial, pre-psychosis, 6 months. Neuropsychological course did not differ between converters to psychosis and non-converters, or between olanzapine and placebo-assigned subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the onset of frank psychosis nor olanzapine treatment of the prodrome significantly alters neuropsychological course in persons considered to be at high risk at their initial (pre-psychosis) assessment. These findings suggest that the neuropsychological deficiencies associated with psychotic conditions largely pre-exist the first frank psychotic episode.