A comparison of the Allen Cognitive Level Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in adults with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the relationship among executive function, visuospatial problem solving, and measures of occupational functioning in 33 adult men with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.


METHODS
Three measures were administered in a one-time assessment session. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to measure executive functioning, abstract reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. The Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) Test was used to measure learning, problem solving, and visuospatial abilities. The Routine Task Inventory (RTI) measured the level of performance in activities of daily living.


RESULTS
Using multiple regression controlling for age, the WCST significantly predicted performance on the ACL the RTI. Perseverative errors on the WCST were negatively correlated with the ACL (r = -.47) and RTI scores (r = -.59). The ACL and RTI were also significantly correlated (r = .67).


CONCLUSIONS
Both the WCST and the ACL are sensitive to similar domains of functioning and are predictive of task performance. The results support the use of the ACL as a quick measure of a person's cognitive and functional abilities.
Secrest
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Department of Veteran Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division, Tacoma, Washington 98493-5000, USA.
Wood
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Tapp
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index