Memory profiles in schizophrenia: categorization validity and stability.
BACKGROUND
Memory profiles corresponding to nearly normal (NN), Subcortical impairment (Sub) and Cortical impairment (Cort) have been identified in schizophrenia by several investigators using cluster analytic techniques. Specific aims of the current study were to (1) perform a K means cluster analysis using Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-R scores (2) create classification rules based upon cluster distributions and expected memory profiles and to determine their concordance with cluster analysis; (3) explore differences among classified groups on demographic, neurocognitive and social cognitive domains; and (4) determine the stability of the classifications 12 months later.


METHODS
Clinical and neuropsychological assessments were obtained at intake and 12 months from 151 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from an urban community mental health center.


RESULTS
Clusters corresponded to those of the three expected subgroups. Using simple decision rules, rationally-derived groups were created and had 90% classification agreement with cluster groups. Groups did not differ on illness characteristics. Groups differed significantly in neurocognitive and social cognitive domains with NN>Cort and NN>Sub in all domains except visual/motor speed. Sub>Cort in verbal working memory. NN>Cort in social cognition. Rationally derived groupings showed fair stability at 12 month follow-up with 65% classification agreement. Specificity was good for NN (82.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
Results support validity of memory profiles and offer some support for their stability at 12 months. The simple rules for classification can be used by other investigators for neuroimaging and other studies. Findings support the hypothesis that verbal memory may be an important source of heterogeneity in schizophrenia.
Bell
Morris D
MD
VA Connecticut Healthcare System, Psychology Service, West Haven CT 06516, United States. morris.bell@yale.edu
Johannesen
Jason K
JK
Greig
Tamasine C
TC
Wexler
Bruce E
BE
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology