Relationship between social and cognitive functions in people with schizophrenia

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to examine clinical factors related to social function in people with schizophrenia.Patients and methodsThe participants were 55 stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia. Their mean age was 39.36 (SD =10.65) years. Social function was assessed using the Quality of Life Scale (QLS). Cognitive function was evaluated with the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, and the Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale.ResultsNeither the MCCB cognitive domain score nor composite score was correlated with the QLS scores. However, of the 10 MCCB subtests, the Trail Making Test Part A and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia-Symbol Coding (BACS-SC) scores were positively correlated with the QLS scores. Among clinical variables, especially the PANSS negative syndrome scale score had a strong negative correlation with the QLS scores. Stepwise regression analyses showed that the PANSS negative syndrome scale score was an independent predictor of the QLS scores, and although the BACS-SC score predicted the QLS common objects and activities subscale score, the association was not so strong compared to the PANSS negative syndrome scale score.ConclusionThese results indicate that speed of processing evaluated by BACS-SC could predict some aspect of social function but negative symptoms have a much stronger impact on global social function in people with schizophrenia.

<p>Increased Plasma Kynurenic Acid Levels are Associated with Impaired Attention/Vigilance and Social Cognition in Patients with Schizophrenia</p>

“…5 Cognitive impairments are correlated with poor clinical outcome and rehabilitation of social function. 6,7 However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive deficits in SCZ patients are currently unknown.…”

<p>Associations Of Personality Traits With The Capacity-Performance Discrepancy Of Functional Outcome In Patients With Schizophrenia</p>

“…Potential predictors of functional performance have been investigated, and the control of psychotic symptoms alone has been reportedly insufficient for its improvement. Cognitive function can predict subsequent functional performance with an effect size that is greater than the medium range 7–9. However, the effects of enhancements in cognitive function on functional performance in community can be substantially diminished by several intervening variables, including personal and social factors 10,11.…”

A Retrospective Study on the Relationship Between Cognitive Function and Social Function in Patients With Schizophrenia

“…According to Tominaga et al, BACS symbol coding (processing speed) was associated with the total social functioning score, but not other cognitive domains [ 20 ]. Santosh et al reported that among cognitive functions, executive function, verbal working memory, attention, and verbal fluency are related to social functions [ 39 ].…”

“…Schizophrenia symptoms were evaluated using the PANSS, which includes seven items for positive and negative symptoms and 16 items for general psychopathology [ 19 , 20 ]. The JART50 was used to perform a premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ) evaluation.…”

“…The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) is a tool used to assess cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia [17][18][19]. Tominaga et al demonstrated that BACS scores for attention and information processing speed are significantly correlated with social functioning [20]. Additionally, Sumiyoshi et al [21] reported a simple correlation between social functioning as evaluated using the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) [17] and cognitive functioning as evaluated using the BACS.…”