Computerized neurocognitive scanning: II. The profile of schizophrenia

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia is well established with neuropsycho logical batteries, which have assessed multiple domains indicating diffuse deficits especially in processing related to frontotemporal systems. Two st udies are reported examining the feasibility of the computerized neurocogni tive scan to assess differential deficits in schizophrenia, In Study 1, we tested 53 patients and 71 controls with the traditional and computerized as sessments counterbalanced in order. Both showed comparable generalized impa irment in schizophrenia with differential deficits in executive functions a nd memory, The profile was replicated in Study 2 in a new sample of 68 pati ents and 37 controls, receiving only the computerized scan. The combined sa mple showed robust correlations between performance on both speed and accur acy measures of the neurocognitive scan and clinical variables, including p remorbid adjustment, onset age, illness duration, quality of life, and seve rity of negative symptoms. These correlations were higher and more prevalen t in women than men, who showed correlations predominantly for speed rather than accuracy. Neuroleptic exposure was associated with poorer performance only for speed of memory processing, and in men, this association was seen only for typical neuroleptics. We conclude that the computerized neurocogn itive scan can be applied reliably in people with schizophrenia, yielding d ata that support its construct and criterion validity. (C) 2001 American Co llege of Neuropsychopharmacology. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.