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Language comprehension in schizophrenics and their brothers
R Condray1, S R Steinhauer, G Goldstein
1Highland Drive VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
Biological Psychiatry
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Schizophrenia vulnerability is linked to impaired language comprehension. This deficit is more pronounced in relatives with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, suggesting a familial connection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Familial vulnerability to schizophrenia may involve cognitive deficits.
- Language disturbances are potential endophenotypes for schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate language comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia and their relatives.
- To determine if impaired language comprehension is associated with familial risk for schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Assessed language comprehension using the Luria-Nebraska Relational Concepts Factor Scale.
- Evaluated 36 schizophrenic probands, 41 nonschizophrenic brothers, and 18 normal controls.
- Administered Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and WAIS-R for control measures.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia-spectrum disordered brothers showed significantly reduced language comprehension.
- Probands and spectrum-disordered brothers had higher rates of abnormal language performance.
- Language comprehension deficits were specific, not linked to general intellect or nonlinguistic concept formation.
Conclusions:
- Impaired language comprehension is associated with familial vulnerability to schizophrenia.
- Language deficits may be more severe in relatives diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
- Language comprehension may serve as a potential endophenotype in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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