Criteria for Identifying High Developmental Risk of Severe Mental Illness
Background
Severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are increasingly understood as having neurodevelopmental origins. Early identification of at-risk individuals can facilitate timely interventions, potentially altering the trajectory of these conditions. Current clinical models often focus narrowly on symptomatic prodromes, neglecting broader developmental vulnerabilities that may signal risk. [Citations needed]
Data Highlights
Domain
Score
Presumed Genetic Risk
0/1/2
Prenatal and Perinatal Hazards
0/1/2
Adverse Childhood Experiences
0/1/2
Severity of Neurodevelopmental Expressivity
0/1/2
Sociodemographic Vulnerability
0/1/2
Key Findings
SMIs often evolve gradually through early developmental alterations.
Childhood motor clumsiness and neurological soft signs are associated with later psychotic outcomes.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a precursor to later SMIs.
A substantial proportion of future psychotic cases emerge from individuals who attended child mental health services.
The Developmental High-Risk for Severe Mental Illness (DHR-SMI) score ranges from 0 to 10, capturing various risk factors.
Clinical Implications
Recognizing early neurodevelopmental signs can aid in identifying individuals at high risk for severe mental illnesses.
Conclusion
The proposed DHR-SMI criteria aim to improve early detection of individuals at risk for severe mental illnesses.
This Neuroscience Grand Rounds session, led by Yasaman Movahedi and Deanna Aghbashian, explores psychosis in adolescence through both clinical and neurocognitive lenses, emphasizing early recognition and multidisciplinary management.
