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Insight, cognitive dysfunction and symptomatology in schizophrenia

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Abstract

Lack of insight is frequent in schizophrenia and usually influences negatively both patient’s treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between insight, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia using the PANSS five-factor model (modified from Gaag et al. in Schizophr Res 85:280–287, 2006). Forty patients diagnosed with chronic schizophrenia (DSM-IV) were evaluated with the scale to assess unawareness of mental disorder (SUMD), the PANSS and a neuropsychological battery. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between clinical, neurocognitive and insight measures. The SUMD current and past awareness of symptoms score showed a correlation with WCST indices (correct answers and non-persevering errors). The negative and disorganization factor of the PANSS showed a positive correlation with current and past awareness of symptoms. However, when submitted to a linear regression model only the disorganization factor emerged as significant contributor for insight. Considering that the core items of the “disorganization factor” of the PANSS are related to cognition (e.g., poor attention, difficult in abstract thinking), insight is associated cognitive symptoms although no direct relationship between insight and neuropsychological tests was observed.

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Acknowledgements

Supported by “Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo”, Brazil (FAPESP grant nr. 02/00847-9). We thank the neuropsychologist Candida Helena Pires de Camargo for helpful advice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine University olf São Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovídio Pires de Campos, 785, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil

    Luciana C. Monteiro, Vanessa A. Silva & Mario R. Louzã

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  1. Luciana C. Monteiro
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  2. Vanessa A. Silva
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  3. Mario R. Louzã
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Correspondence to Luciana C. Monteiro.

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Monteiro, L.C., Silva, V.A. & Louzã, M.R. Insight, cognitive dysfunction and symptomatology in schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosc 258, 402–405 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-008-0809-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-008-0809-8

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