Between the risk factors for developing a first episode psychosis, social functioning is considered to be one of the most important factors.

The aim of the study is to compare social functioning in schizophrenia offspring and controls, and to determine possible associations between social functioning and prodromal symptoms.

The study examined social functioning (by using the Social Functioning Scale) in 25 Schizophrenia offspring seeking psychiatric help for different problems, and 25 healthy controls.

Clinical status was assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, HAM-D and HAM-A.

Schizophrenia offspring had significantly more social functioning deficits than controls. Social functioning was most strongly associated with depression and anxiety symptoms and less with minor psychotic symptoms.

Social functioning deficits precede the onset of first episode psychosis, especially in persons at risk and, therefore, it could represent an early detection sign. Association with depression and anxiety symptoms should be an early intervention point.