Working memory in schizophrenia and mania: correlation with symptoms during the acute and subacute phases.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to examine working memory in the acute subacute phase of schizophrenia and mania and to examine correlations between working memory and specific symptom domains.


METHODS
Visuospatial working memory and symptom profiles were assessed in three groups (schizophrenia group, n= 19; mania, n= 12; controls, n= 19) on two occasions separated by 4 weeks.


RESULTS
Both patient groups had significant deficits on working memory compared to the well controls and the schizophrenia and mania groups were equally impaired. All groups showed equivalent improvement over time. In the patient groups, impaired working memory was significantly correlated with the presence of both negative symptoms and positive thought disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Impaired working memory is found in both schizophrenia and mania during the acute subacute phases. Further research is required in order to clarify the neurocognitive mechanisms linking impaired working memory with both negative symptoms and positive thought disorder.
Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research, Wolston Park Hospital, Wacol, Australia.
J
J
McGrath
B
B
Chapple
M
M
Wright
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology