There is limited research in adolescent at risk for psychosis. The new criteria of Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5 (DSM-5) have not been validated.

The aims of this study were to: 1) characterize adolescent’s profile with APS (DSM-5 APS) compared to adolescents with early onset psychosis (EOP) and with other psychiatric disorders (non-APS); 2) to estimate their long-term risk of transition to psychosis and prognostic accuracy of DSM-5 APS.

243 adolescents, aged 12-17, were included (October 2012- July 2019) and dived in three sub-groups (110 DSM-5 APS, 31 EOP, 102 non-APS). All underwent a comprehensive assessment evaluating: sociodemographic characteristics, family and personal history of any DSM-5 psychiatric disorders, psychopathological assessment and level of functioning. An annual follow-up evaluation was carried out (up to 7 years) including a clinical interview to investigate DSM-5 criteria for transition to psychosis.

DSM-5 APS adolescents had on average higher comorbid disorders (2.3) and intermediate psychopathological and functioning profile between non-APS/EOP. The cumulative risk of transition at 1,2,3, 4-5 years was 13%, 17%, 24.2%, 26.8% and 26.8% in DSM-5 APS group, 0%, 0%, 3.2%, 3.2% and 3.2% in the non-APS. The 5-year prognostic accuracy of the DSM-5 APS in adolescent was adequate (Area Under the Curve=0.77) with high sensitivity (91.3%) and suboptimal specificity (63.2%).

The DSM-5 APS diagnosis can be used to detect help-seeking adolescents at risk of psychosis and predict their long-term outcomes, leading the way to new preventive approaches.

The authors declare that they do not have a significant financial interest, consultancy or other relationship with products, manufacturer(s) of products or providers of services related to this abstrac.