Symptom and Bayesian network analyses of positive and negative symptoms in psychotic-like experiences: A multicenter cross-sectional study of Chinese.

INTRODUCTION

In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between positive and negative symptoms in Psychotic-like experiences, which is highly useful for predicting the development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

METHODS

Using LASSO and Bayesian network analyses on 37,443 high school/college students from 19 cities across four Chinese provinces who were studied from September 2017 to November 2019, we examined symptom networks and potential directional relationships. The participants completed multiple assessments, such as the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Version and the Questionnaire for Negative Symptoms, Disorganization Symptoms, and General Symptoms.

RESULTS

The analysis of symptom networks revealed that delusions and general negative symptoms emerged as central nodes in the network. Interestingly, the network clearly separates positive and negative symptoms while highlighting their close interconnections. Additionally, schizotypal personality disorders serve as bridging elements in this network. Using Bayesian network analysis, we further established that negative symptoms drive the development of positive symptoms.

DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the importance of exploring negative symptoms in Psychotic-like experiences and suggest their potential importance in the early identification and intervention of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.