Mismatch negativity (MMN) deficiency: a break-through biomarker in predicting psychosis onset

Abstract

Currently, the mismatch negativity (MMN) deficit is one of the most robust and replicable findings in schizophrenia, reflecting cognitive and functional decline, psychosocial and socio-occupational impairment, and executive dysfunction in these patients. An important break-through has very recently taken place here in the prediction of conversion to psychosis when the MMN in particular to change in tone duration was recorded in clinically at risk-mental state (ARMS) individuals. Attenuations in the MMN in these patients may be very useful in helping clinicians determine who are most likely to develop a psychotic disorder, as we will review in the present article.

Keywords: At-risk mental state (ARMS); Event related potential (ERP); Mismatch negativity (MMN); Prediction; Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Ultra-high risk.