Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to assess learning potential in normal IQ schizophrenia: does it have potential?
BACKGROUND
Learning potential, a dynamic multi-administration approach to assessment, is claimed to predict functional outcome in schizophrenia better than traditional single-administration neuropsychological tests.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigates the relation between learning potential and clinical and demographic variables, social functioning and neuropsychological abilities in a sample of 30 participants with schizophrenia with a mean IQ score within the normal range (mean Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) IQ=106).


METHODS
Two Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) based methods for assessing learning potential are compared.


RESULTS
The dimensional approach (calculation of gain scores following training) identified one aspect of executive functioning (set shifting) to be related to learning potential. Associations with other neuropsychological tests and social functioning were however limited. The categorical approach (separating high-achievers from learners and non-learners) was not sensitive within this normal IQ sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there seems to be a relation between learning potential and some aspects of executive functioning, the two existing WCST methods should be used with caution when assessing learning potential in individuals with schizophrenia who have IQ scores within the normal range.
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Aker, Norway. anja.vaskinn@medisin.uio.no
Anja
A
Vaskinn
Kjetil
K
Sundet
Svein
S
Friis
Torill
T
Ueland
Carmen
C
Simonsen
Astrid B
AB
Birkenaes
John A
JA
Engh
Halldora
H
Jónsdóttir
Stein
S
Opjordsmoen
Petter Andreas
PA
Ringen
Ole A
OA
Andreassen
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence / Q000145:classification*; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012917:Social Adjustment; D055815:Young Adult