Searching for bridges between psychopathology and real-world functioning in first-episode psychosis: a network analysis from the OPTiMiSE trial

Introduction Network analysis has been used to explore the interplay between psychopathology and functioning in psychosis, but no study dedicated statistical techniques focus on bridge symptoms connecting these domains. Objectives The current aims estimate network of depressive, negative, positive symptoms, general psychopathology, real-world people with first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder, focusing nodes. Methods Baseline data from OPTiMiSE trial were analysed. sample included 446 participants (age 40.0±10.9 years, 70% males). was estimated a Gaussian graphical model (GGM), using scores individual items Positive Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Personal Social Performance (PSP) scale. Stability, strength centrality, expected influence (EI), predictability, centrality statistics computed. top 20% scoring nodes selected as Results Nodes different rating scales assessing similar psychopathological constructs tended cluster together (Fig. 1). most central (EI) Delusions, Emotional Withdrawal, Depression, Depressed Mood. Bridge Conceptual Disorganisation, Active Avoidance, Stereotyped Thinking, Poor Impulse Control, Guilty Feelings, Unusual Thought Content, Hostility. Most belonged subscale PANSS. (G6) node highest value. Image: Conclusions provides novel insights understanding complex phenotype psychotic disorders mechanisms underlying development maintenance comorbidity functional impairment after psychosis onset. Disclosure Interest None Declared