Presenting Author details:aina.holmen@psykologi.uio.no P.O.Box 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway, Tel.: +47 22 845237; fax: +47 22 845001. Background: Numerous studies have found comprehensive cognitive deficits in adult schizophrenic patients, encompassing global deficits from early sensory information processing to attention, verbal and visual learning and memory and executive functions. Accordingly, cognitive deficits have also been found to be prevalent in early-onset schizophrenia. However, findings have not been consistent as to whether the cognitive deficits in this group have a global profile, or if there are relatively spared or impaired domains of function. We wanted to examine whether the profile of cognitive deficits is global or specific. Methods: We included 31 adolescents (12–18 years) with first-episode psychosis are included at the time of their first contact with a psychiatric department. Diagnoses are based on DSM-IV criteria. Symptom level is assessed using the PANSS and the Global Assessment Scale. Neuropsychological functioning is assessed with the MATRICS battery, consisting of ten different tests measuring seven cognitive domains. 83 healthy adolescent controls have also been included in the study. Results: Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to compare the neuropsychological test scores for patients and controls. Patients with schizophrenia performed more poorly than healthy controls on speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning and memory, visual memory, reasoning and problem solving. In contrast, no significant differences were found between the two groups on visual learning. Conclusions: We found a generalized deficit in cognitive functioning in adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. This neuropsychological profile, indicating widespread impairment, is in line with results from studies on adults with schizophrenia. This may support previous suggestions of a generalized brain dysfunction in schizophrenia.