Prof M. Murugappan Poster Award

Abstract

Background:Neurological soft signs (NSS) are those minute sensory and motor function impairments which are found to be frequently associated with Schizophrenia. Frontal Release Signs (FRS) are a subset of NSS, whose pattern of association in schizophrenia has been understudied.Aim and Objectives:To evaluate the pattern of NSS and FRS in particular, in patients of schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives (FDR) and their association in both groups.Methodology:62 patients who were clinically diagnosed to have schizophrenia currently in remission using ICD-10 research criteria presenting our hospital and one of their normal FDR (62 FDRs) were selected for the study. Both the groups were rated on Neurological Evaluation Scale (Original version) for NSS and Brief psychiatric rating scale and were compared. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-Version 16.Results:Neurological soft signs were significantly more common in patients with schizophrenia than their first-degree relatives. Mean total NSS score was 13.11±6.78 in schizophrenia patients which was significantly more than 6.55±4.24 (p<0.0001) in FDRs. Mean sub-score on FRS was 1.48±1.44 in schizophrenia patients which was significantly more than 0.31±0.61 (p<0.0001) in FDRs. Mean sub-score on glabellar reflex showed most significant association with patients (0.85±0.69) than their FDRs (0.23±0.49, p<0.00001).Discussion:Previous studies have also shown a similar pattern of distribution of NSS among patients of schizophrenia and their FDRs. Significant association of FRS especially glabellar reflex with patient group suggests that NSS, with FRS in particular may be considered as a biological marker of schizophrenia across all the culture groups.Conclusion:The association of NSS, particularly the FRS with Schizophrenia patients and their first-degree relatives strengthens the neurodevelopmental theory of schizophrenia. Further studies should be carried out to assess the relationship between symptom domains of schizophrenia and FRS in particular.