The C Factor: Cognitive dysfunction as a transdiagnostic dimension in psychopathology.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Cognitive deficiencies are observed across various psychological disorders, suggesting a potential transdiagnostic phenomenon.
• The p-factor model posits cognitive deficits as an intrinsic, transdiagnostic construct in psychopathology.
• Previous research has not systematically investigated the transdiagnostic nature of cognitive dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review meta-analyses and assess the hypothesis that cognitive dysfunction (C factor) is transdiagnostic in psychopathology.
• To identify potential moderators that may explain the transdiagnostic nature of cognitive dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review of 82 meta-analyses examining cognitive function across various psychological disorders.
• Included data from 97 clinical samples, yielding 1,055 effect sizes.
• Analyzed cognitive performance in 12 major disorder categories, encompassing 29 distinct clinical entities.

Main Results:

• All reviewed disorders demonstrated significant cognitive underperformance across multiple domains.
• Findings support the hypothesis that the C factor (cognitive dysfunction) is a transdiagnostic factor linked to the p-factor.
• Motivational and emotional constructs are identified as potential moderators contributing to the C factor.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive dysfunction is a transdiagnostic feature of psychopathology, aligning with the p-factor model.
• Motivational and emotional factors warrant further investigation as key contributors to cognitive deficits in psychiatric disorders.
• The study provides a roadmap for future research on the interplay between transdiagnostic constructs and cognitive dysfunction.