Cognitive Dysfunction at Baseline Predicts Symptomatic 1-Year Outcome in First-Episode Schizophrenics

Abstract

The present study addresses the consequences of cognitive disturbances on symptomatic outcome. Fifty-three first-episode schizophrenics were reassessed (n = 32) 1 year after admission. Simple regression analyses revealed that several self-perceived cognitive deficits at baseline as measured with the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire significantly predicted increased Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale global scores at follow-up (p = 0.05 to p = 0.005). A stepwise regression analysis proved memory dysfunction to be the strongest predictor of symptomatic worsening (p = 0.005). It is suggested that the exploration and treatment of neuropsychological deficits in schizophrenia is of great clinical importance with regard to its impact on both functional and symptomatic outcome in schizophrenia.

Subjective Cognitive Dysfunction in First-Episode Patients Predicts Symptomatic Outcome: A Replication

“…The present study is in accordance with results from a prior investigation [6] showing that subjective dysfunction is a significant predictor of later psychopathology. Again, subjective cognitive dysfunction strongly correlated with outcome.…”

“…A review compiled by Green [4] as well as subsequent research [5] has indicated that (objective) neurocognitive deficits are predictors of the functional outcome such as independent living and interpersonal relations. In a recent study, we were able to show that the 1-year symptomatic outcome assessed by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was significantly correlated with subjective cognitive and perceptual complaints on admission in first-episode patients [6]. Subjective cognitive dysfunction was determined using the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ) [7], a self-report questionnaire predominantly comprising perceptual and cognitive deficits.…”

Cognitive Deficits Caused by Late Gestational Disruption of Neurogenesis in Rats: a Preclinical Model of Schizophrenia

“…Cognitive deficits in memory, executive function, and working memory are believed to be of major importance to the functional and symptomatic outcome (Fujii and Wylie, 2003;Moritz et al, 2000;Grawe and Levander, 2001;Green et al, 2000) as well as the quality of life (Fujii et al, 2004) of patients with schizophrenia. Being able to address some of these symptoms in a preclinical model and consequently develop drugs that better target these symptoms could lead to better outcome and better quality of life for the patients.…”

Dysexecutive Syndrome and Social Adjustment in Schizophrenia

“…In one study applying the method proposed by Liddle and Morris [12] of a tri­partite distinction between psychomotor poverty, disorganization and reality distortion, disorganization showed the most reliable relationship to community functioning [13]. Further studies were able to demonstrate an association between cognitive impairment and poor symp­tomatic outcome [14−16]. These findings suggest that both cognitive impairment and symptom level may play a role as ‘rate‐limiting factors’.…”