Neurocognition in Schizophrenia: Measured with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery in a Young Adult Population
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The concept of recovery from schizophrenia has been reformed and now includes social adaptation, working abilities, and daily functioning, as well as decrease in symptoms. Neurocognitive deficits are often discovered in patients with schizophrenia, and have been connected to the course of illness and functional outcome. Still, heterogeneity characterises patients with schizophrenia and the various paths towards recovery are uncertain at present time. The purpose of this thesis was to examine whether significant differences in neurocognitive functioning between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls could be detected with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). An additional aim was to describe the patients in terms of resilience, degree of hope, self-efficacy, and daily functioning. \nMethods: Neurocognitive functioning was assessed with the MCCB in a group of 18 young adults with a recent debut of schizophrenia, and a healthy control group. Measures of resilience, hope, and self-efficacy were administered in the patient group. Patients were also interviewed on their daily functioning.\nResults: Significant differences in neurocognitive functioning between patients and controls were detected on half of the subtests of the MCCB. Investigation of degree of neurocognitive impairment in the patient group, revealed that 89.9 % show impairment when the mildest criteria are used, while only 22.2 % display impairment according to the strongest criteria. Descriptions of daily functioning revealed diversity in terms of employment or educational status, independent living, and relational functioning in the patient group. \nConclusions: Despite the low number of participants in our study, significant differences between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls are discovered with the MCCB. Our study demonstrates heterogeneity on neurocognitive functioning and on several aspects of daily functioning in the patient group, which shed light on the importance of focusing on individual differences in order to offer tailored interventions and promote recovery.
Authors: Lene Mølgaard Hansen, Rikke Thomassen
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2461858445