Relationship between insight, educational background and cognition in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
There is a paucity of research into the relationship between insight and variables including cognitive function, educational background and symptomatology in schizophrenia.


METHODS
Sixty-four patients with DSM-III-R diagnosis schizophrenia were assessed with the Schedule for Assessment of Insight, Mini Mental State cognitive test, a new measure of knowledge about treatment (the Understanding of Medication Questionnaire), and educational background and compliance assessments.


RESULTS
Insight scores correlated significantly with a range of variables. In a multiple regression analysis only knowledge about treatment and number of years in education explained a significant proportion of insight.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational background and the intellectual ability required to learn complex concepts, such as models of mental illness, appear to be more important than previously considered. Research is limited by the lack of a generally accepted definition of insight.
Macpherson
R
R
Long Fox Unit, Weston General Hospital, Weston-super-Mare, Avon.
Jerrom
B
B
Hughes
A
A
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001364:Awareness / Q000187:drug effects; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents