Neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms are accompanied by cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
Cognitive impairments in schizophrenics have been found to precede tardive dyskinesia and to co-exist with other motor deficits. However, little is yet known about the prevalence of cognitive disturbances in patients with neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism. From the literature on idiopathic parkinson, it was inferred that extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. 85 schizophrenic in-patients were divided into EPS high and low scorers according to an established criterion (Simpson Angus Scale, cut-off score: 0.4). Cognitive impairments were assessed using a self-rating instrument measuring disturbances of information processing. Patients with high EPS exhibited significantly elevated scores in six of ten cognitive and perceptual subscales (t = 2.1-3.1) as compared to low EPS patients. It is concluded that high EPS patients suffer from cognitive disturbances which are assumed to possess high relevance for both psycho-social and medical treatment. Cognitive problems may, when not considered, disturb compliance, insight of illness and transfer of learnt skills into everyday life.
Krausz
M
M
Universitäts-Krankenhaus Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Martinistrabetae 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
Moritz
S H
SH
Naber
D
D
Lambert
M
M
Andresen
B
B
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents