Fronto-Parietal Gray Matter Volume Loss Is Associated with Decreased Working Memory Performance in Adolescents with a First Episode of Psychosis

Cognitive maturation during adolescence is modulated by brain maturation. However, it unknown how these processes intertwine in early onset psychosis (EOP). Studies examining longitudinal changes and cognitive performance lend support for an altered development of high-order functions, which parallels progressive gray matter (GM) loss over time, particularly fronto-parietal regions. We aimed to assess this relationship a subsample 33 adolescents with first-episode EOP 47 matched controls 2 years. Backwards stepwise regression analyses were conducted determine the association predictive value within each group. Fronto-parietal GM volume was positively associated decreased working memory (frontal left (B = 0.096, p 0.008); right 0.089, 0.015); parietal 0.119, 0.007), 0.125, 0.015)) as function age. A particular decrease frontal best predicted significant amount (22.28%) variance accounting age (14.9%). No such found controls. Our results suggest that adolescence, individuals seem follow abnormal neurodevelopmental trajectory, reduction differential age-related dysfunction