WAIS-R intrasubtest scatter in a chronic schizophrenic population: is it an attentional problem?

This study investigated the hypothesis that intrasubtest scatter on the WAIS-R is a measure of fluctuations in attention/concentration. Thirty-two chronic schizophrenic inpatients were administered the WAIS-R, the Mini-Mental State Examination, an attention task battery, and the Psychotic Inpatient Profile. Intrasubtest scatter correlated significantly with some attention measures. However, scatter was correlated more highly with cognitive aspects of mental status, Freedom from Distractibility, and observed psychotic behavior. Thus, intrasubtest scatter in this population appears to reflect a broader measure of the integrity of "cognitive state" and not merely a clinical indication of attention/concentration problems.