Neurocognition and Functional Outcome in Early-Onset Schizophrenia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A 13-Year Follow-Up

Objective: The relation between neurocognitive impairments and functional outcome has been documented in both early onset schizophrenia (EOS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but less is known about the long-term relation between these factors. The present study investigates how neurocognition at baseline is related to measures of functional outcome at 13-year follow-up in subjects with EOS and ADHD. Method: Subjects with EOS (n = 15), ADHD (n = 19), and healthy controls (n = 30) were followed up 13 years after initial assessment. All subjects were between 12 and 18 years of age at baseline and between 24 and 30 at follow-up. They were retested at T2 with the same comprehensive neurocognitive test battery as used at T1, and reassessed with various symptom and behavior ratings and functional outcome measures. Results: Both groups were characterized by reduced functional outcome at follow-up, although of different magnitude and type, compared with healthy controls. In the EOS group, neurocognitive baseline measures were associated with social functioning at follow-up (eta(2) between .26 and .41), while for the ADHD group, no significant predictions were found. Conclusions: Adolescents with EOS and ADHD are characterized by poor functional outcome compared with healthy controls when reassessed as young adults. Executive function, memory and attention were related to social and community functioning in EOS. For ADHD no significant predictions were found although functional outcome was poor. For both groups treatment should focus on training of social skills and activities of daily living to enhance the long-term functional outcome. For EOS cognitive remediation should also be considered.