Remission and cognitive ability in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia were studied regarding their ability of achieving symptomatic remission. It was found that only approximately one-third of the patients fulfilled the criteria for remission. The importance of cognitive performance was studied to decide whether cognitive ability is a contributing factor for achieving remission.

A homogeneous cohort of 211 patients, of whom 76 patients attained remission (36%), and 135 patients (64%) failed to, was studied. Remission was decided by the use of eight items from the PANSS in which none of these items should have a score above three points. The patients were also tested on a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests including vigilance, working memory, long-term memory, executive functioning, learning performance, visuomotor speed/efficacy, cognitive flexibility and pre-morbid functioning.

Marked differences were exhibited in the cognitive abilities in all domains of patients who had attained remission in comparison with those who had not.

This study highlights the importance of cognitive performance as one possible predictor of remission. Patients without remission had lower cognitive ability and may have more difficulty in benefiting from, or complying with their treatment. As a consequence, various forms of supportive treatment might increase the likelihood of remission.