title: General functioning predicts reward and punishment learning in schizophrenia.
abstract: Previous studies investigating feedback-driven reinforcement learning in patients with schizophrenia have provided mixed results. In this study, we explored the clinical predictors of reward and punishment learning using a probabilistic classification learning task. Patients with schizophrenia (n=40) performed similarly to healthy controls (n=30) on the classification learning task. However, more severe negative and general symptoms were associated with lower reward-learning performance, whereas poorer general psychosocial functioning was correlated with both lower reward- and punishment-learning performances. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that general psychosocial functioning was the only significant predictor of reinforcement learning performance when education, antipsychotic dose, and positive, negative and general symptoms were included in the analysis. These results suggest a close relationship between reinforcement learning and general psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Semmelweis University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: Zsuzsanna
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Somlai
authors.forename: Ahmed A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Moustafa
authors.forename: Szabolcs
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kéri
authors.forename: Catherine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gluck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011678:Punishment; D012201:Reward; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D055815:Young Adult