3.9.10 Neurocognitive deficits in psychotic disorders

Neurocognitive Deficits in Psychotic Disorders

Neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life. They include impairments in domains such as attention, memory, executive function, language, and perception, and are believed to play a role in the manifestation of symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations (Green, 2000).

One theory posits that neurocognitive deficits in psychotic disorders result from a disruption in the normal development and functioning of brain regions involved in these domains. This disruption may be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain-based factors.

Studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals with psychotic disorders have lower levels of performance on various neurocognitive tests compared to healthy individuals and that these impairments persist even when individuals are in remission. Furthermore, research has suggested that the severity of neurocognitive deficits is associated with a range of negative outcomes, such as the increased risk of relapse, lower levels of social and occupational functioning, and reduced quality of life (Keefe, 2004) (Nuechterlein, 2008).

In terms of treatment, cognitive training and rehabilitation programs have shown some promising results in improving neurocognitive functioning in individuals with psychotic disorders. However, more research is needed to determine the most effective methods and to understand the underlying mechanisms by which these interventions lead to improvement.

In conclusion, neurocognitive deficits are a significant aspect of psychotic disorders and are associated with a range of negative outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand these impairments and to develop effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies (Sheffield, 2018).

References:

(1) Sheffield, J.M., Karcher, N.R. and Barch, D.M. (2018). Cognitive Deficits in Psychotic Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective. Neuropsychology Review, 28(4), pp.509–533. doi:10.1007/s11065-018-9388-2.

(2) Green, M. F., Kern, R. S., Braff, D. L., & Mintz, J. (2000). Neurocognitive deficits and functional outcome in schizophrenia: are we measuring the “right stuff”?. Schizophrenia bulletin, 26(1), 119-136.

(3) Keefe, R. S., & Fenton, W. S. (2004). Theories of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: a conceptual review. Schizophrenia bulletin, 30(3), 379-392.

(4) Nuechterlein, K. H., Green, M. F., Kern, R. S., Baade, L. E., Barch, D. M., Cohen, J. D., … & Marder, S. R. (2008). The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, part 1: test selection, reliability, and validity. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(2), 203-213.