CAUSAL MECHANISMS OF SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIC AND DEPRESSED-PATIENTS

We examined causal mechanisms of subjective cognitive (dis)abilities i n schizophrenic and depressed patients, and in patient and normal cont rol groups. This exploratory study included objective cognitive perfor mance (Continuous Performance Task) as well as mood and mental effort ratings. Self-report of cognitive dysfunction in patients was not corr elated with objective cognitive deficits. Correlational patterns diffe red between groups. Our findings in schizophrenic and depressed patien ts point to different causal mechanisms of their subjective cognitive malaise, despite similar subjective ratings. Depressed patients associ ate high mental effort during task performance with a reduced cognitiv e efficacy, whereas schizophrenic patients associate high effort with cognitive symptoms Like distractibility and overload.