An observational study of auditory-evoked potential mismatch negativity response in individuals at high genetic risk for schizophrenia

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Objectives: This study presents a novel approach by investigating the abnormal mismatch negativity (MMN) found during response to auditory-evoked potential (ERP) in schizophrenia (SZ) patients. Our unique focus is on the genetic high-risk (GHR) for SZ, comparing it with healthy controls (HC). In addition, we aim to illuminate the interrelationship of MMN with socio-occupational functioning in the GHR group, a novel aspect of our research. Material and Methods: We conducted this study with a rigorous methodology, ensuring the reliability and validity of our findings. Thirty first-degree relatives of SZ patients (GHR) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited by purposive sampling and compared with thirty HCs. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data from all study participants, which were assessed by the Family Interview of Genetic Studies. GHR was evaluated for current socio-occupation functioning using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). All the participants underwent 128-channel electroencephalographic recording using an auditory-evoked responses paradigm. The MMN was calculated at the frontal electrode clusters, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection. Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in frontal MMN latency between GHR and HC. Moreover, a positive relationship was noted between the SOFAS score and MMN amplitude, and a negative relationship was found between the latencies at the frontal region. Conclusion: Our research has made a significant breakthrough in understanding SZ. Our findings reveal that individuals with a genetic susceptibility to SZ exhibit a unique response in a particular test known as MMN. This test measures the automatic auditory change detection mechanism, which detects minor alterations in the acoustic environment and is referred to as MMN. This newfound insight could prove instrumental in developing more effective diagnoses and treatments for SZ.