정신분열병 환자 가족의 연성 신경학적 특성

Abstract

Objective : This study was performed to assess Neurological soft sign(NSS) in schizophrenic's relatives and to know the relationship between NSS and trait marker. Method : The study sample of relatives consisted of 20 nonpsychotic subjects, each of whom was a biological parent or sibling of a proband meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia. The authors evaluated NSS using the structured tool for measuring neurological abnormalities, Neurological Evaluation Scale-Korean Version(NSE-K). A comparison of NSS score was made between 20 relatives and 20 normal controls. Results : 1) The schizophrenic's nonpsychotic relatives were significantly more impaired than normal controls on total scores(P<0.0001) and on scores of sensory integration, motor coordination, sequencing of complex motor acts and other areas(P<0.05). 2) There were statistically no difference in NSS total scores between schizophrenic's nonpsychotic parents and siblings. Schizophrenic's nonpsychotic parents were significantly more impaired than siblings on scores of sensory integration(P<0.05). Conculsions : These findings suggest that abnormal NSS may be one of possible trait markers in schizophrenia.