Neuropsychological test profiles in schizophrenia and non-psychotic depression.
OBJECTIVE
The study examined to what degree schizophrenia is characterized by a neuropsychological (NP) test profile specific in shape and level compared with depression and normal functioning.


METHODS
Fifty-three patients with schizophrenia, 45 with non-psychotic depression, and 50 normals were assessed with a comprehensive NP test battery and clinical instruments. NP test scores were factor analyzed into seven composite scores.


RESULTS
Schizophrenia patients performed significantly below normals across all seven composite scores, whereas depression patients were impaired in two. Verbal memory was most impaired. Sixty-two percent of schizophrenia patients were moderately or severely impaired, the corresponding figure for depression was 28%. Impairment was moderately associated with IQ level and clinical symptom load in schizophrenia, but not in depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Schizophrenia is characterized by deficits across a wide range of NP functions. Thirty-eight percent of the patients are within normal limits. A mild and limited NP disturbance is apparent in depression.
Rund
B R
BR
Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. b.r.rund@psykologi.uio.no
Sundet
K
K
Asbjørnsen
A
A
Egeland
J
J
Landrø
N I
NI
Lund
A
A
Roness
A
A
Stordal
K I
KI
Hugdahl
K
K
D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015588:Observer Variation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index