Family history of psychosis, social risk factors and the psychosis risk syndrome

Abstract

The goal of this thesis was to determine whether individuals with a family history of psychosis who met established criteria for being at risk of developing a psychotic disorder, i.e. met criteria for a psychosis risk syndrome (FHR-COPS), differed in terms of social risk factors from individuals with a family history of psychosis who did not meet criteria for a psychosis risk syndrome (FHR-Non). Results were that FHR-COPS individuals began smoking cannabis at an earlier age, had a lower IQ, and evidenced more anxiety, increased negative schemas about the self and poorer functioning. Onset of cannabis use at an earlier age was the one significant factor that determined belonging to the FHR-COPS group. These preliminary results are promising in determining potential risk factors for the development of psychosis in those who are already at risk for psychosis on the basis of a family history.