Auditory processing disorder may be present in schizophrenia and it is highly correlated with formal thought disorder

The present study investigates the presence of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in schizophrenia and its association with symptomatology, especially Formal Thought Disorder (FTD). 50 patients with schizophrenia and 25 matched healthy controls completed a battery of three auditory processing tests. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Thought, Language and Communication (TLC) scale were used to assess clinical symptoms. The patient group was divided into two subgroups, according to FTD severity. Auditory processing performance of the control group and the patient group was evaluated. Correlations between auditory processing scores and TLC scores, as well as auditory processing scores and PANSS scores were examined. Most of the patients, especially those with FTD, had auditory deficits that can be classified as APD. Patients showed impaired performance compared to controls in all tests. Total severity and specific factors of FTD, as well as other clinical symptoms and symptom categories were correlated with auditory processing performance. We provided evidence that APD may be present in schizophrenia and that FTD, as well as other clinical symptoms are associated with auditory processing deficits. There are important clinical implications for non-pharmacological interventions and early diagnosis of schizophrenia.