Prefrontal cognitive functions in stabilized first-episode patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a dissociation between dorsolateral and orbitofrontal functioning.
Specific prefrontal cognitive impairments have been reported in first-episode and chronic schizophrenia. We sought to investigate potential impairments in specific prefrontal cortical cognitive functions among stabilized patients with a first-episode of schizophrenia. A sample of 80 individuals with a first-episode of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 22 healthy volunteers underwent a neurocognitive battery assessing orbitofrontal (OFC) [The Iowa Gambling Task (GT)], and dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) functions (WAIS III Backward digits, verbal fluency test (FAS), and Trail Making Test). Cognitive data were obtained following stabilization of acute psychotic symptoms. Clinical symptoms after six weeks of treatment were assessed by using the SAPS and SANS scales. While there were no significant group differences in overall scores and in the profile of progress of performance along periods on the GT, patient group showed a significant impairment when performing DLPFC tasks. Only FAS score was correlated to the severity of negative symptomatology. The OFC functions are unimpaired at the early phases of psychosis and in contrast there is a significant deficit in DLPFC functions in first-episode of schizophrenia.
Rodríguez-Sánchez
José Manuel
JM
Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Planta 2(a), Edificio 2 de Noviembre. Avda. Valdecilla s/n, 39008 Santander, Spain.
Crespo-Facorro
Benedicto
B
Perez-Iglesias
Rocío
R
Perez Iglesias
Rocío
R
González-Blanch
César
C
Bosch
César González-Blanch
CG
Alvarez-Jimenez
Mario
M
Alvarez
Mario
M
Llorca
Javier
J
Vázquez-Barquero
José Luis
JL
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000473:pathology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*