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Communicative responsibility and semantic task in aphasia and "schizophasia"
R Goldfarb1, B Stocker, J Eisenson
1Speech and Hearing Center, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx 10468.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|October 1, 1994
Summary
This study suggests the term "schizophasia" may be unnecessary, as observed linguistic behaviors in aphasia and schizophrenia differ, aiding differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Neurolinguistics
- Clinical Linguistics
Background:
- Distinguishing between aphasia and schizophrenia language impairments is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- The term 'schizophasia' has been used to describe language disturbances in schizophrenia that resemble aphasia.
- Semantic processing and communicative responsibility are key areas of linguistic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare semantic behavior and communicative responsibility in individuals with aphasia, schizophrenia, and healthy controls.
- To determine if linguistic differences can aid in the differential diagnosis between aphasia and schizophrenia.
- To evaluate the appropriateness of the term 'schizophasia' based on observed linguistic patterns.
Main Methods:
- A probe technique assessing convergent and divergent semantic behavior across five levels of communicative responsibility was employed.
- Participants included 29 adults with aphasia (Broca's, Wernicke's, anomic), 26 adults with chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia, and 32 normal elderly controls.
- Statistical analysis identified significant differences within and between groups on semantic tasks and communicative responsibility levels.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in semantic tasks (convergent and divergent) and communicative responsibility were found within each group.
- In aphasia, observed differences correlated more with severity than specific type (Broca's, Wernicke's, anomic).
- Distinctions between aphasic and 'schizophasic' groups emerged primarily when multi-word responses were required.
Conclusions:
- The continued use of the term 'schizophasia' may not be warranted given the observed linguistic distinctions.
- Linguistic behaviors in aphasia and the language patterns in schizophrenia can inform differential diagnosis.
- Further research into the specific semantic and communicative deficits in these conditions is recommended.
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