title: Cognitive deficits and its relation with psychopathology and global functioning in first episode schizophrenia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to examine the cognitive deficits profile in first episode schizophrenia patients as well as examine the correlation between cognitive deficits, psychopathology and global functioning. Better understanding of these various facets of this debilitating illness is imperative in planning treatment, thereby limiting decline in global functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine schizophrenia patients with illness duration less than two years comprised the sample. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and WHO Disability Assessment schedule were administered to assess cognitive functions, psychopathology and global functioning respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cognitive deficit quotient for each patient was calculated. In this cohort 16.3% of patients had less than 25% of cognitive deficits, 38.8% had 25-50% of cognitive deficits, 36.7% had 50-75% of cognitive deficits and 8.2% of patients had more than 75% cognitive deficits. More than 50% of the patients in the present cohort showed deficits in the domains of attention, executive functions and learning and memory. Psychopathology significantly correlated with global functioning. Negative symptoms significantly correlated with cognitive functions of motor speed, attention and executive functions. Step wise linear regression analysis showed that duration of illness, attention (sustained attention), executive function (response inhibition), negative and positive psychopathology predicted level of global functioning at varied levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cognitive deficits in multiple domains were observed in the present cohort. Attention and executive functions predicted global functioning. There is a need for longitudinal studies with larger sample to examine the course of the cognitive deficits with progress in illness.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, KA, India. Electronic address: shantalah@nimhans.kar.nic.in.
authors: Shantala
authors: S
authors: Hegde
authors: Jagadhisha
authors: J
authors: Thirthalli
authors: Shobini L
authors: SL
authors: Rao
authors: Ahalya
authors: A
authors: Raguram
authors: Mariamma
authors: M
authors: Philip
authors: B N
authors: BN
authors: Gangadhar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: Cognitive deficits; First episode schizophrenia; Global functioning; Neuropsychological assessment; Psychopathology