Neuropsychological subtyping of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia tends to be associated with a general decline in cognitive functioning. However, some studies have found neuropsychologically normal schizophrenia patients. To address this contradiction, we screened first-episode schizophrenic patients according to degree of neuropsychological dysfunction. At least three different neuropsychological subtypes of schizophrenia were found. Memory, specifically delayed recall, was the most important factor that discriminated the groups. Neuropsychological assessment, covering a range of functional domains of the major dimensions of behavior, has an important role in identifying preserved and impaired capacities, in predicting outcome, and in planning treatment.
Ilonen
Tuula
T
Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Central Hospital, University of Turku, Kunnallissairaalantie 20, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland. tuula.ilonen@utu.fi
Taiminen
Tero
T
Karlsson
Hasse
H
Lauerma
Hannu
H
Leinonen
Kirsi-Marja
KM
Wallenius
Elina
E
Salokangas
Raimo K R
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012392:Rorschach Test; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index