Comparison of Neurological Soft Signs between Psychotic and Non Psychotic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Neurological Soft Signs (NSS) are a group of non-specific signs manifested in some psychiatric patients. Till date, most studies have focused on NSS in schizophrenic patients. AIM: In the current study, the mean NSS score was compared between psychotic and non psychotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 96 hospitalized patients having psychotic disorders. The patients were first examined by a psychiatrist and their axis I diagnoses (according to DSM-IV-TR) were made. Accordingly, the patients were divided into three groups of psychotic (schizophrenic and schizoaffective) and bipolar disorder patients with and without psychotic symptoms. Using a 28-item questionnaire, the patients were neurologically examined and their NNS scores were calculated. The mean scores were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Based on the results, the mean NSS score in psychotic patients (schizophrenic and schizoaffective) was higher as compared to that in non-psychotic patients (bipolar disorder patients without psychotic symptoms) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: It seems that calculation of NSS score in psychotic patients can help predict the response to pharmaceutical treatment, risk of drug reactions/side effects and prognosis of disease. Drawing a definite conclusion in this regard requires further investigations.