High Rates of Schizophrenia in Adults With Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome

• DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.56.10.940
• Publication Date: 2003-03-18T16:45:16Z
• Authors: Kieran C. Murphy; Lisa A. Jones; Michael J. Owen
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Polymorphism, Genetic; Adolescent; Genotype; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22; Comorbidity; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Psychotic Disorders; Intellectual Disability; DiGeorge Syndrome; Prevalence; Schizophrenia; Humans; Female; Schizophrenic Psychology; Chromosome Deletion

<h3>Background</h3> Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS), a characterized by an increased frequency of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is associated with small interstitial deletions chromosome 22q11. <h3>Methods</h3> We evaluated 50 adults VCFS using structured clinical interview (Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry or Psychiatric Schedule Adults With Developmental Disability if IQ &lt;50) to establish a<i>DSM-IV</i>diagnosis. The phenotype individuals was compared matched series without (n=12). King's Schizotypy Questionnaire administered (n=41), their first-degree relatives (n=68), unrelated normal controls (n=316). All deleted the N25 probe (n=48) were genotyped genetic polymorphism the<i>COMT</i>gene that results variations enzymatic activity. <h3>Results</h3> Fifteen (30%) had psychotic 24% (n=12) fulfilling<i>DSM-IV</i>criteria schizophrenia. In addition, 6 (12%) major depression features. fewer negative symptoms relatively later age onset those VCFS. found no evidence possession low-activity<i>COMT</i>allele our sample <h3>Conclusions</h3> high prevalence this group suggests 22q11 might harbor gene genes relevant etiology wider population.