606 Chinese 18-year-olds who experienced the Tangshan earthquake in utero were tested to determine incidence of psychological neuroanatomical dysfunction related to gestational period at which extreme stress was experienced. Measures obtained include the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, Raven's Progressive matrices, Hamilton Depression and anxiety Scales, and a CT brain scan. Those experiencing the earthquake during the second trimester of gestation, specifically the sixth month, are hypothesized to have a greater incidence of shizotypal syndromes. 606 Chinese 18-year-olds were tested on the same measures. This second group was matched to the first as to month of birth, but were born one year after the first group, and served as a control group. Severe stress may mimic a genetic error responsible for schizotypal features by disrupting the migration of vulnerable fetal neurons. Finds that support this theory may help to pinpoint the brain structures involved, and may suggest important prenatal preventative interventions. The proposal is for entry and verification of the data, detailed statistical analyses, and reports of all significant findings.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31MH011890-03
Application #
2890033
Study Section
Child Psychopathology and Treatment Review Committee (CPT)
Program Officer
Altman, Fred
Project Start
1999-09-27
Project End
Budget Start
1999-09-27
Budget End
2000-09-26
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Social Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041544081
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90089