Cognitive asymmetry patterns in schizophrenia: retest reliability and modification with recovery

In schizophrenia syndrome-related recognition memory impairments have been demonstrated to be dependent on hemispheric specialisation - word deficits (left hemisphere) in a Withdrawn syndrome and face deficits (right hemisphe re) in an Active syndrome. Deficits were largely absent in recovered patien ts. Here the in state/trait nature was examined through longitudinal invest igation of 33 patients. In 19 patients who were tested when psychotic and w hen symptoms remitted (with order randomised) memory improved with recovery , particularly word memory in Withdrawn patients and face memory in Active patients. In patients who presented with different syndromes on separate ad missions there was evidence that cognitive asymmetry patterns reversed with syndrome changes In nine patients in whom the retest reliability of syndro me-asymmetry relations was examined across repeat admissions or periods or recovery, the asymmetries were stable. In sum, further evidence was disclos ed of reliable associations between left vs. right preferential hemispheric impairment and syndromes based on activity vs. withdrawal. Acknowledgement of the importance of this individual difference may assist in elucidating heterogeneity of cognitive function in schizophrenia. Reversals of asymmetr y support a functional component to recognition memory deficits in schizoph renia with possible relevance to the recovery process. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. ALL rights reserved.