PREEPISODY PRODROMIC SYMPTOMS VULNERABILI TY MARKERS TO THE PREDICTION AND PREVENTION OF RELAPSE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The main purpose of the study was to know the preepisody prodromic sym ptoms as a first step for the elaboration of a vulnerability relapse i n schizophrenia markers battery (episody markers) which could be usefu l for the prediction and prevention of schizophrenic relapse. 11 schiz ophrenic patients suffering from relapse and their relatives were subj ected to preepisodic symptoms semistructured interview containing symp toms of all behavioral dimensions (behavioral, cognitive, affective-em otional, and psychosocial). Results revealed that several symptoms app ear days, weeks or months before relapse. Patients and relatives repor ted different symptoms and time intervals between symptoms and relapse . Patients reported more symptoms and wide time intervals. According t o the patients' reports the most common symptoms those near of relapse were uninhibited, aggressive, ungry or violent behavior, detachment f rom family and friends, loneliness, irritability, nervousness, agitati on and tension, fear and anxiety, unusual or strange corporal sensatio ns, innappropiate feelings, pessimism and desperation, unusual or stra nge Visual or auditive sensations, lack of interest, apathy and boredo m, sleep problems, depression, sadness, and confusion, desorientation. Implications were obtained for the prediction and prevention of relap se in schizophrenia.