BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated early generalised cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. AIMS: To examine executive function in first-episode schizophrenia, characterise the nature of the impairment and specify any relationships with symptoms and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). METHOD: Patients (n = 136) and normal controls (n = 81) were assessed with the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery, National Adult Reading Test IQ, and Scales for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms. RESULTS: Memory and executive impairments in patients were independent of IQ level. Spatial working memory was impaired because of inadequate strategy use. On a planning task, patients showed reduced planning times and suboptimal problem-solving. On an attentional set-shifting task, 75% of patients were able to perform an extra-dimensional shift thought to be a core attribute of prefrontal cortex function. Those who failed had significantly longer DUP. CONCLUSIONS: Prefrontal cortex function deteriorates at the onset of psychosis and continues to worsen over time.
BACKGROUND: Many studies have demonstrated early generalised cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. AIMS: To examine executive function in first-episode schizophrenia, characterise the nature of the impairment and specify any relationships with symptoms and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). METHOD:Patients (n = 136) and normal controls (n = 81) were assessed with the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery, National Adult Reading Test IQ, and Scales for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms. RESULTS: Memory and executive impairments in patients were independent of IQ level. Spatial working memory was impaired because of inadequate strategy use. On a planning task, patients showed reduced planning times and suboptimal problem-solving. On an attentional set-shifting task, 75% of patients were able to perform an extra-dimensional shift thought to be a core attribute of prefrontal cortex function. Those who failed had significantly longer DUP. CONCLUSIONS: Prefrontal cortex function deteriorates at the onset of psychosis and continues to worsen over time.
Authors: Deanna M Barch; Cameron S Carter; James M Gold; Sheri L Johnson; Ann M Kring; Angus W MacDonald; Diego A Pizzagalli; J Daniel Ragland; Steven M Silverstein; Milton E Strauss Journal: J Abnorm Psychol Date: 2017-04-13
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Authors: Alan E Ceaser; Terry E Goldberg; Michael F Egan; Robert P McMahon; Daniel R Weinberger; James M Gold Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2008-07-02 Impact factor: 13.382
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Authors: Verity C Leeson; Trevor W Robbins; Elizabeth Matheson; Samuel B Hutton; María A Ron; Thomas R E Barnes; Eileen M Joyce Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2009-07-03 Impact factor: 13.382