Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
[Neurocognition of psychiatric patients]
Matthias Brand1, Hans J Markowitsch
1Physiologische Psychologie, Universität Bielefeld. m.brand@uni-bielefeld.de
Abstract:
Cognitive, mnestic, and emotional disturbances can occur in a wide range of psychiatric patients. Both neurochemical alterations as well as structural brain abnormalities can be neural correlates of neuropsychological dysfunctions in these patients. In this paper, we give an introduction to neuropsychological domains with a focus on different kinds of memory and executive functions. Thereafter, we describe neurocognitive deteriorations in patients with schizophrenia, depression, alcohol addiction, and Korsakoff's syndrome. Brain alterations affect primarily parts of the frontal lobe, especially the dorsolateral prefrontal and the orbitofrontal cortex. This can be seen in volume reduction, glucose hypometabolism, or dysfunctions of dopaminergic fronto-striatal loops. Furthermore, structural or functional changes of hippocampal formation, anterior cingulate gyrus, amygdala, and different thalamic nuclei are also involved in neurocognitive disturbances of psychiatric patients.
Related Concept Videos
Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...

