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Objective investigation of activity preference in schizophrenia: A pilot study
Ishraq Siddiqui1, Gary Remington2, Gagan Fervaha3
1Schizophrenia Division and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada.; Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada..
Psychiatry Research
|July 7, 2018
Summary
Schizophrenia patients show similar preferences for active tasks as healthy individuals, but objective measures reveal reduced engagement linked to apathy and community function. A subgroup with significant apathy was identified.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Amotivation and reduced goal-directed activity are key features of schizophrenia.
- Previous research relied on subjective reports, lacking objective measures of activity engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively evaluate activity preference in schizophrenia patients using motion capture.
- To explore the relationship between objective activity engagement, apathy, and community functioning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized wireless motion capture for the Activity Preference Task, offering a choice between active (game) and passive (film) engagement.
- Assessed 20 schizophrenia outpatients and 20 matched healthy controls with clinical and cognitive measures.
Main Results:
- No significant group differences in objective task measures (duration, intensity, persistence) between schizophrenia patients and controls.
- In schizophrenia patients, reduced active engagement correlated with higher apathy and poorer community functioning.
- Exploratory cluster analysis revealed a subgroup of schizophrenia patients with markedly reduced engagement and increased apathy.
Conclusions:
- The Activity Preference Task objectively quantifies intrinsically motivated behaviors, addressing a gap in schizophrenia research.
- While schizophrenia patients may prefer active tasks when given a choice, this preference alone is insufficient for functional behavior in amotivated individuals.
- Objective measures are crucial for understanding the nuances of activity engagement and its impact on functioning in schizophrenia.
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