Relationship between neurocognition and functional recovery in first-episode schizophrenia: Results from the second year of the Oslo multi-follow-up study. Issue 2 (30th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torgalsbøen, Anne-Kari; Mohn, Christine; Czajkowski, Nikolai; Rund, Bjørn Rishovd
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 227:Issue 2/3(2015)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2015-06-30
• Subjects: First-episode psychosis -- Cognition -- Longitudinal -- Functional recovery; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.03.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Lack of control of confounding variables, high attrition rate, and too few neurocognitive domains completed at each assessment point are some of the limitations identified in studies of the relationship between cognition and functional outcome in schizophrenia. In the ongoing Oslo multi-follow-up study 28 first episode schizophrenia patients and a pairwise matched control group ( N =28) are assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), a clinical interview, an inventory on social and role functioning and criteria of remission and recovery at several follow-up points. The current paper describes the rate of remission and full recovery, and investigates the relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome. At 2-year follow-up, 80.0% of the patients were in remission and 16.0% of them fulfilled the criteria for full recovery. The attrition rate was very low. In the follow-up period, there was a statistically significant decline in Verbal Learning and a significant improvement on Reasoning/Problem Solving and Social Cognition in the schizophrenia group, but not in the control group. This indicates a differentiated neurocognitive course. In the schizophrenia group, Attention/Vigilance and years of education at baseline were significant predictors of social and role functioning 2 years later. Highlights: Two years after illness onset 80% of first-episode schizophrenia patients were in remission and 16% were fully recovered.80% of first-episode schizophrenia patients in remission and 16% fully recovered. At baseline and follow-up, neurocognitive function was significantly impaired in the schizophrenia group compared to the healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, cognitive function was significantly impaired. Compared to the healthy control group, the schizophrenia group showed a significant improvement in the cognitive domains Reasoning and Problem solving and Social Cognition.The schizophrenia group showed a significant improvement in two cognitive domains In the schizophrenia group, attention and years of education at baseline were significant predictors of social and role functioning 2 years later.Attention and years of education predicted social and role functioning 2 years later.