Abstracts Psychology

Postnatal risk factors in the etiology of schizophrenia : association with good premorbid adjustment

by Monica G. Pukall

Research shows distinct premorbid subtypes in schizophrenia. While family history of schizophrenia and obstetric complications are associated with poor premorbid adjustment, risk factors associated with good premorbid adjustment, characterizing most patients, remain unidentified. Both childhood trauma and premorbid substance use appear to increase vulnerability to schizophrenia. The goals of this study were to determine the association among family history, obstetric complications, childhood trauma, and premorbid substance use; and secondly, to assess whether trauma and premorbid substance use are associated with good premorbid schizophrenia. Trauma and substance use were assessed in 26 schizophrenia patients whose mothers were asked about family history of schizophrenia and obstetric complications. Results suggest that childhood trauma may co-occur with a family history of schizophrenia; high premorbid cannabis consumption was significantly associated with an absence of family history. Childhood trauma and premorbid substance use, however, did not consistently predict a good premorbid adjustment profile.