Persistent Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety and Risk for Psychosis: A Longitudinal Birth Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.12.003
• Publication Date: 2021-12-13T06:49:23Z
• Authors: Isabel Morales-Muñoz; Edward R. Palmer; Steven Marwaha; Pavan K. Mallikarjun; Rachel Upthegrove
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study

BackgroundPersistent anxiety in childhood and adolescence could represent a novel treatment target for psychosis, potentially targeting activation of stress pathways secondary nonresolving inflammatory response. Here, we examined the association between persistent through with individuals psychotic experiences (PEs) or who met criteria disorder (PD) at age 24 years. We also investigated whether C-reactive protein mediated any association.MethodsData from Avon Longitudinal Study Parents Children (ALSPAC) were available 8242 children 8 years, 7658 10 6906 13 3889 The Development Well-Being Assessment was administered to capture child adolescent anxiety. created composite score generalized ages 8, 10, 13. PEs PD assessed 24, derived Psychosis-like Symptoms Interview. mean 9 15 years used as mediator.ResultsIndividuals high levels more likely develop (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.26–3.23, p = .003) 4.23, 2.27–7.88, < .001). associations (bias-corrected estimate −0.001, .013) 0.001, .003).ConclusionsPersistent be risk factor psychosis. Persistent is related subsequent psychosis via hormones inflammation. These results contribute potential preventive interventions early