Early onset schizophrenia (EOS) - defined as schizophrenia with onset before age 18 - presents with severe clinical symptoms, a chronic course, and significant functional impairment. Individuals diagnosed with EOS face a lifespan burden magnified by biological and environmental vulnerabilities, notably an increased risk of cardiometabolic comorbidities such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. These risks may stem from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, antipsychotic medication side-effects, lifestyle factors, and illness-related characteristics including negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. Cardiometabolic disease is now a leading contributor to morbidity and premature mortality in people with schizophrenia, with evidence suggesting these risks emerge even in adolescence. Despite the serious implications, there remains a gap in understanding the mechanisms, early detection strategies, and tailored interventions for cardiometabolic risk in EOS populations.

This Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of the epidemiology, mechanisms, and interventions related to cardiometabolic risk in individuals with EOS. The overarching goal is to spur research that can identify at-risk profiles, clarify risk trajectories from early adolescence, and promote multidisciplinary strategies for prevention and early intervention. Emphasis is placed on integrating biological, psychological, and sociocultural perspectives to inform evidence-based clinical guidelines and public health approaches for this vulnerable population.

We welcome submissions focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-themes:

Mechanisms and Risk Factors:
• genetic, neurobiological, and environmental contributors to cardiometabolic risk in EOS
• impact of antipsychotic treatment and lifestyle factors
• inflammatory, metabolic, and endocrine pathways

Assessment and Early Detection:
• screening tools, biomarkers, and epidemiological trends
• identifying high-risk subgroups within EOS populations
• role of digital health and monitoring technologies

Prevention and Intervention:
• lifestyle and pharmacological interventions tailored for youth
• barriers and facilitators to implementing cardiometabolic risk reduction in clinical practice, particularly within psychiatric settings
• multidisciplinary care models and policy implications.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Early Onset Schizophrenia and Cardiometabolic Risk