THE FUNCTIONAL-SIGNIFICANCE OF SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The relationships between positive and negative symptomatology, cognit ive function, and the ability to perform basic activities of daily liv ing in patients with schizophrenia were examined in two studies. In st udy 1, 112 medicated patients were assessed utilizing the Brief Psychi atric Rating Scale (positive symptoms), the Negative Symptom Assessmen t (negative symptoms and cognitive function), and the Functional Needs Assessment (activities of daily living). Study 2 (n = 41), utilized t he same measures of symptomatology and added a comprehensive neuropsyc hological test battery. Regression analyses in both studies determined that symptomatology predicts a relatively small amount of the varianc e in the ability to perform basic activities of daily living. Cognitiv e function, whether assessed with the Cognition subscale of the Negati ve Symptom Assessment or a comprehensive neuropsychological test batte ry, predicted over 40% of the variance in scores on the Functional Nee ds Assessment. A path model in which cognition predicted both concurre nt symptomatology and activities of daily living and where symptomatol ogy had little direct impact upon activities of daily living fit the d ata. The importance of addressing cognitive deficits in psychosocial i ntervention programs is discussed.