Cognitive_Deficits_Schizophrenia_Flashcards
Describe the profile and severity of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia
Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are broad and severe, impacting general cognitive abilities like IQ, processing speed, and memory. These deficits are observable prior to the onset of psychotic symptoms, indicating a neurodevelopmental origin. Across different phases of the illness, from ultra-high risk to chronic schizophrenia, these deficits remain stable, suggesting that they do not deteriorate significantly over time but are a core feature of the disorder.
Describe the progression of cognitive deficits from premorbid phases across the illness
Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are evident from the premorbid phase, with impairments in general cognitive functions and specific domains like processing speed and memory. These deficits worsen approaching the first-episode psychosis and remain stable into the chronic phase, highlighting a neurodevelopmental rather than neurodegenerative process.
Describe the relation between cognitive deficits and 1. psychopathology, and 2. functional outcome
Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia strongly correlate with poorer functional outcomes and are more predictive of these outcomes than the severity of psychotic symptoms. These deficits underpin functional impairments across various life domains, emphasizing their role in the overall disability associated with schizophrenia.
Give examples of the heritability of cognitive functions and overlap with schizophrenia liability
Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, particularly those related to verbal and memory abilities, are significantly heritable. First-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia often exhibit similar, albeit milder, cognitive deficits. These findings suggest a genetic overlap between cognitive deficits and schizophrenia liability, highlighting the potential for these cognitive impairments as markers of genetic risk in schizophrenia.
