Cerebellar and other neurological soft signs in antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia

Objective: Cerebellar neurological abnormalities in schizophrenia have been associated with severe negative symptoms, cognitive deficits, and smaller cerebellar volume. This study assessed the comparative discriminant validity between Cerebellar Soft Signs (CSS) vs. other neurological soft signs (ONSS) [in discriminating between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls] as well as the relationship between the soft signs and psychopathology. Method: Antipsychotic-naive schizophrenia patients (n = 32) and healthy subjects (n = 32) were examined using International Co-Operative Ataxia Rating Scale and Neurological Evaluation Scale. Results: Mean CSS scores, ONSS total score, and Sensory Integration Signs sub-score were significantly higher in patients. Discriminant analysis revealed two CSS sub-scores (but none of the ONSS scores) to be significant (P < 0.0001) accounting for 78% of classification. CSS total score, Posture sub-score, and Oculomotor sub-score had significant positive correlation with negative syndrome score. Conclusion: Findings support intrinsic cerebellar dysfunction in schizophrenia. The observations are discussed in relationship with cognitive dysmetria.