Biological study of socialization deficit and psycho-social intervention in schizophrenia.

Conventional neuropsychological test battery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and event related potential (ERP) were evaluated from subjects at risk mental state (ARMS), patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects. The Consultation and Support service in Toyama (CAST) for ARMS was launched by the Toyama University Hospital in cooperation with the Toyama Prefectural Mental Health Centre. Three of 31 clients who met ARMS criteria have subsequently developed a first episode of psychosis. Neuropsychological and ERP evaluation showed that ARMS subjects manifest abnormal profiles intermediate between healthy subjects and schizophrenia patients. Functional-MRI study showed an anomalous amygdala function in the schizophrenia patients. Longitudinal MRI data of the first-episode schizophrenia indicated excessive gray matter decrease in the superior temporal and inferior frontal regions.