Cognition at baseline and relationships 10 years after a first episode of schizophrenia

Social and nonsocial cognition are important predictors of functioning among people with schizophrenia, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. It is unknown if this extends to functioning in close and intimate relationships. This study investigated if baseline cognition predicted relationship functioning ten years after a first episode of schizophrenia.

Twenty-two participants with a first episode of schizophrenia underwent baseline assessment with MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, providing scores for social and nonsocial cognition. Ten years later a clinical interview ascertained information about romantic relationship status and number of and frequency of contact with (talking, meeting) close friends. The predictive power of cognition for later relationships was examined with regression analyses.

One finding was statistically significant. Nonsocial cognition predicted how often someone talked to close friends ten years later.

Baseline cognition, especially social cognition, had little impact on relationships ten years after a first episode of schizophrenia. Possible explanations are discussed.