Reduced duration mismatch negativity elicited by the multi-feature ‘optimal’ paradigm in early-phase psychosis

Abstract

BackgroundMMN and P3a are EEG-derived event related potentials that are thought to be prospective biomarkers for schizophrenia and, potentially, early-phase psychosis (EPP). MethodsEPP (n = 12) and healthy control (HC; n = 35) participants listened to a multi-feature optimal paradigm with five deviant types (gap, duration, location, intensity, and frequency). ResultsThere was a significant amplitude difference between the EPP and HC group with duration MMN (p = .02). No significant amplitude differences between groups were found for the P3a waveform. There were several correlations for the EPP group with the BNSS, SOFAS, and PANSS-general questionnaires. Length of illness was not associated with MMN or P3a. ConclusionsThe optimal paradigm is suitable for eliciting multiple deviant types within a short amount of time in both clinical and healthy populations. This study confirms duration MMN deficits within an EPP group and that MMN is related to functional outcomes and positive and negative symptomology.