Delusions are associated with low self-reflectiveness in first-episode psychosis

Schizophr Res. 2009 Jul;112(1-3):187-91. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2009.03.019. Epub 2009 Apr 15.

Abstract

Previous work on chronic psychosis patients has suggested that low self-reflectiveness and overconfidence in judgments may be associated with delusions. In the present study we evaluated whether this extends to a first-episode psychosis sample. Thirteen actively delusional and 53 non-delusional participants with a first-episode psychosis completed the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale. Relative to non-delusional participants, delusional participants endorsed greater self-reflectiveness, though their confidence in their judgments was the same as non-delusional participants. These results suggest that the capacity to self-reflect and refrain from overconfidence may interact with delusions differentially across multiple phases of psychosis. The cognitive system involved in self-reflectiveness may be important for delusional thinking during a first-episode psychosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Delusions / etiology
  • Delusions / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Young Adult