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Major Neuropsychological Impairments in Schizophrenia Patients: Clinical Implications

  • Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders (AK Pandurangi, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Schizophrenia is a complex severe mental illness with high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is strongly associated with functional impairment and presents a major barrier to recovery. This article reviews some of the most recent research on cognition in schizophrenia and the clinical implications.

Recent Findings

There have been recent studies related to the genomics of cognition and neural structures involved in cognition. We review recent investigations into the assessment of social cognition and the implications of impaired introspective accuracy. A recent network analysis assessed the relationship of neurocognition and social cognition to functional capacity. We further discuss the role of specific symptoms in functioning, including negative symptoms and symptoms related to autism spectrum disorder. We conclude with a discussion of a novel computerized treatment for social cognition.

Summary

Recent research has sought to better understand several dimensions of cognition including genomics, brain structure, social cognition, functional capacity, and symptomatology. This recent research brings us closer to understanding the complex clinical picture of schizophrenia and the best treatments to achieve recovery.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Mackenzie T. Jones & Philip D. Harvey

  2. Research Service, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA

    Philip D. Harvey

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  1. Mackenzie T. Jones
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  2. Philip D. Harvey
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Correspondence to Mackenzie T. Jones.

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Jones, M.T., Harvey, P.D. Major Neuropsychological Impairments in Schizophrenia Patients: Clinical Implications. Curr Psychiatry Rep 22, 59 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-01181-0

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