Psychomotor and cognitive deficits as predictors of 5-year outcome in first-episode schizophrenia. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bodén, Robert; Abrahamsson, Tore; Holm, Gunnar; Borg, Jacqueline
• Is Part Of: Nordic journal of psychiatry. Volume 68:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 282
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2013.830771
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-9488

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background:</italic> Cognitive deficits are common in schizophrenia but the predictive value of these deficits for long-term outcome in first-episode patients is unclear. <italic>Aims:</italic> We aimed to investigate associations of performance in psychomotor and cognitive tests with a 5-year functional and symptomatic outcome. <italic>Methods:</italic> After clinical stabilization, patients with a first schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis (<italic>n = </italic>46) were assessed for global cognitive function [Synonyms, Reasoning, and Block Design (SRB)], psychomotor speed [Trail Making Test (TMT) and finger tapping] and verbal learning (Claeson–Dahl Verbal Learning Test). The subsequent 5-year outcome regarding independent living, occupational and social function, and symptomatic remission status was assessed. <italic>Results:</italic> Low psychomotor speed was associated with poor social function 5 years later, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.37 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.08–10.51, adjusted for antipsychotic drug use. Better performance on finger tapping with the non-dominant hand was associated with an increased risk of a 5-year symptomatic non-remission (adjusted OR = 0.42, CI 0.19–0.96). Occupational function and independent living were not significantly associated with any of the investigated tests. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> Psychomotor speed is associated with a long-term outcome regarding social function and symptom remission in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.</p> </abstract>