Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026

Digital Handwriting Analysis of Characters in Chinese Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: March 11, 2021
Disorganization and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: New insights from electrophysiological findings
Annarita Vignapiano1, Thomas Koenig2, Armida Mucci1
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
In subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ), the disorganization dimension is a strong predictor of real-life functioning. "Conceptual disorganization" (P2), "Difficulty in abstract thinking" (N5) and "Poor attention" (G11) are core features of the disorganization factor, evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The heterogeneity of this dimension and its overlap with neurocognitive deficits are still debated. Within the multicenter study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses, we investigated electrophysiological and neurocognitive correlates of disorganization and its component items to assess the heterogeneity of this dimension and its possible overlap with neurocognitive deficits. Resting state EEG was recorded in 145 stabilized SCZ and 69 matched healthy controls (HC). Spectral amplitude was averaged in ten frequency bands. Neurocognitive domains were assessed by MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). RAndomization Graphical User software explored band spectral amplitude differences between groups and correlations with disorganization and MCCB scores in SCZ. Correlations between disorganization and MCCB scores were also investigated. Compared to HC, SCZ showed increased delta, theta, and beta 1 and decreased alpha 2 activity. A negative correlation between alpha 1 and disorganization was observed in SCZ. At the item level, only "N5" showed the same correlation. MCCB neurocognitive composite score was associated with disorganization, "P2" and "N5". Our findings suggest only a partial overlap between disorganization and neurocognitive impairment. The association of alpha 1 with the "N5" item suggests that some aspects of disorganization could be underpinned by the impairment of basic neurobiological functions that are only partially evaluated using MCCB.
Related Concept Videos
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Schizophrenia
Cognitive Dissonance
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Finding the Center of Gravity

