Insight and neurocognition in schizophrenia.
The relationship between neurocognitive impairments in schizophrenia remains unclear. Recent literature was reviewed and the most consistent finding was an association between perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST) and poor insight. The aim was to confirm and extend this finding using a range of assessments relevant to perseveration, and different dimensions of insight, in a sample of 33 acutely psychotic subjects within 5 years of onset of schizophrenia and related disorders. Results showed a correlation (r=-0.59) between insight and perseverative errors, rather than more general measures of abstraction. A factor representing relabelling symptoms, derived from insight scale items, correlated even more strongly; however, other insight factors correlated more weakly, suggesting they are less dependent on neuropsychological deficits. The ability to monitor output and correct errors appears to be closely related to the core features of insight in psychosis.
Drake
Richard James
RJ
School of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, University of Manchester, Room 17.3, Education & Research Building, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LR, UK. rdrake@man.ac.uk
Lewis
Shôn William
SW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001364:Awareness; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D011340:Problem Solving; D011379:Prognosis; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012803:Sick Role