A polydiagnostic approach to self-perceived cognitive disorders in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Self-perceived cognitive disorders (SPCD) are subjective experiences that can impact individuals with mental health conditions.
• Understanding the relationship between SPCDs and diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia is crucial for accurate assessment.
• The Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ) is a tool used to measure SPCDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SPCDs, measured by the FCQ, and various definitions of schizophrenia.
• To determine which specific diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia show a significant relationship with self-perceived cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 118 consecutively admitted psychiatric patients was assessed.
• The Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ) was used to evaluate SPCDs.
• The total FCQ score was analyzed against 21 different definitions of schizophrenia.

Main Results:

• The FCQ total score was significantly associated with Schneider's, Yusin's, and Present State Examination criteria for schizophrenia (p < 0.05).
• A significant negative association was observed between the FCQ total score and the DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia.
• Female sex and the presence of insight were significantly linked to a higher number of SPCDs.

Conclusions:

• SPCDs appear more closely related to Schneider-related criteria than to chronic or deficit models of schizophrenia.
• The findings highlight the differential association of subjective cognitive complaints with various schizophrenia diagnostic frameworks.
• Patient characteristics like sex and insight influence the reporting of SPCDs in schizophrenia.