Cognitive profiles in persons with chronic schizophrenia

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2011 Oct;33(8):929-36. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2011.578569. Epub 2011 Jun 28.

Abstract

Cognitive heterogeneity has been a key barrier to clarifying the neuropathologic underpinnings of schizophrenia. We used an idiographic method for cluster analysis of neuropsychological data from 144 middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia to characterize and group the patterns of relative (within-person) profiles of cognitive strength and weakness. Results indicated a 5-cluster solution as most appropriate, with relatively even distribution across the 5 clusters in terms of the proportion of patients in each cluster. Cognitive subtyping may be useful in imaging and genetic research on schizophrenia, as well as having practical utility in treatment planning and cognitive rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Auditory Perception
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Comprehension
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Visual Perception / physiology