Cognitive dysfunction at baseline predicts symptomatic 1-year outcome in first-episode schizophrenics.
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.
Moritz
S
S
Universitäts-Krankenhaus Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Hamburg, Deutschland. moritz@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Krausz
M
M
Gottwalz
E
E
Lambert
M
M
Perro
C
C
Ganzer
S
S
Naber
D
D
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires