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Persistent cognitive dysfunction despite clinical improvement in schizophrenia: a 10-year follow-up study
Amresh Shrivastava1, Megan Johnston, Nilesh Shah
1Mental Health Foundation of India (PRERANA Charitable trust) and Silver Mind Hospital, Mumbai, India.
Journal of Psychiatric Practice
|May 19, 2011
Summary
Cognitive functioning in schizophrenia often declines after diagnosis, even with treatment. This study found further deterioration in visuomotor integration, working memory, and executive functions over 10 years.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive deficits.
- The long-term cognitive trajectory after first-episode schizophrenia is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cognitive functioning changes over 10 years in individuals with first-episode schizophrenia.
- To compare cognitive performance at diagnosis versus 10-year follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cognitive functioning in 61 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia.
- Compared baseline cognitive performance with 10-year follow-up data.
- Evaluated individuals who showed significant clinical improvement.
Main Results:
- Cognitive abilities showed deterioration at baseline and further decline over 10 years.
- Visuomotor integration, working memory, and executive functioning deteriorated.
- Many clinically improved individuals still exhibited abnormal cognitive functioning.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive decline persists in schizophrenia despite clinical improvement.
- Treatment for schizophrenia should incorporate a greater focus on cognitive functioning.
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