Developmental high-risk criteria for severe mental illness: a neurodevelopmental framework for premorbid detection
-
By
-
Michele Poletti
-
Antonio Preti
-
Andrea Raballo
-
June 23, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Criteria for Identifying High Developmental Risk of Severe Mental Illness: A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Premorbid Detection
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Severe Mental Illness (SMI) |
| Key Mechanisms | Neurodevelopmental origins and early phenotypic manifestations. |
| Target Population | Individuals at high risk for developing SMIs, particularly children and adolescents. |
| Care Setting | Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). |
Key Highlights
- SMIs often evolve gradually through early developmental alterations.
- Premorbid features include motor clumsiness and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Family psychiatric history is a reliable indicator of heritable vulnerability.
- Obstetric complications can disrupt normative brain development.
- DHR-SMI score ranges from 0 to 10, capturing risk across multiple domains.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Utilize a developmental high-risk profile to identify potential SMIs.
Management
- Implement early prevention interventions based on identified risk factors.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly update DHR-SMI scores to reflect changes in risk factors.
Risks
- Consider genetic, prenatal, and environmental factors in risk assessment.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children and adolescents with developmental vulnerabilities.
Focus on early detection and intervention strategies.
Clinical Best Practices
- Profile developmental high-risk criteria for early identification.
- Integrate family history into risk assessments.
- Monitor for early neurodevelopmental signs in at-risk populations.
Related Resources & Content
