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Executive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia and/or cocaine dependence
Irina Benaiges1, Josep Maria Serra-Grabulosa, Gemma Prat
1Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Human Psychopharmacology
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Schizophrenia patients with cocaine dependence showed better executive functioning than those without, but poorer cognitive set-shifting. This suggests a potentially lower genetic vulnerability for psychosis in this dual diagnosis group.
Area of Science:
- Neurocognition
- Psychiatry
- Dual Diagnosis
Background:
- Limited understanding of neurocognition in dual diagnosis patients.
- Hypothesis: Schizophrenia (SZ) patients with substance use may have lower genetic vulnerability and better premorbid functioning.
- Previous research suggests potential differences in executive and social functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess executive functioning in SZ patients with cocaine dependence.
- Explore the impact of substance use onset age on neurocognition in this group.
Main Methods:
- 95 male patients (20-60 years) studied.
- Groups: SZ+ (SZ + cocaine, n=30), SZ- (SZ only, n=30), COC (cocaine only, n=35).
- Executive functioning and cognitive set-shifting assessed.
Main Results:
- Both SZ+ and COC groups exhibited better executive functioning than the SZ- group.
- SZ+ patients performed worse than COC patients in cognitive set-shifting.
- Age of substance use onset did not affect cognitive set-shifting performance in SZ+ patients.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis of lower genetic vulnerability in SZ+ patients.
- Psychosis in SZ- patients may develop without additional triggers.
- Further research is required to address knowledge gaps in dual diagnosis neurocognition.
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