No association between prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex and neuropsychological deficit in chronic schizophrenia.
Sensorimotor gating deficits are relevant in schizophrenia and can be measured using prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex. It is conceivable that such deficits may hinder the cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients. In this study, using PPI and a neuropsychological battery, we studied this possibility in a group of 23 acute, neuroleptic-free schizophrenia patients and 16 controls. A non-significant decrease in PPI was found in the patients as compared to the controls, as well as significant differences in the performance of Trail A and B in Wisconsin Card Sorting and Digit/Symbol Tests. No statistically significant correlations between PPI and neuropsychological performance were found after the correction for multiple comparisons in any group. Our results suggest that PPI deficits in schizophrenia patients may not contribute to the cognitive deficits typical of that illness, at least in patients with a non-significant PPI decrease.
Molina
Vicente
V
Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Salamanca, Spain. vmolina@usal.es
Cortés
Benjamín
B
Pérez
Javier
J
Martín
Carmen
C
Villa
Rocío
R
López
Dolores E
DE
Sancho
Consuelo
C
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013216:Reflex, Startle / Q000502:physiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology