[Cognitive complaints in schizophrenia: relationship with insight and other cognitive measures]

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have significant cognitive deficits. However, the subjective perception of these deficits do not always coincide with the neuropsychological test and clinical ratings.

Methodology: This study evaluates the cognitive performance of 46 outpatients with schizophrenia, in a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program, by three different measures: neuropsychological tests (objective assessment), cognitive factor of PANSS (clinical ratings), and subjective scale of cognition, SSTICS (patient self-report). Also studies the possible relationship between subjective assessment of cognitive symptoms and insight of the mental disorder (SUMD).

Results: SSTICS total score correlated only with some neuropsychological subtest, but not with cognitive factor of PANSS. The clinical ratings is more consistent with neuropsychological test than the cognitive complaints. No relationship between SUMD and SSTICS.

Conclusions: Because of the lack of correspondence among several measures, it is possible to think that have been evaluated different cognitive areas. So, it is important to consider all options of assessment in order to create cognitive rehabilitation programs. Cognitive complaints seems to be an independent variable of insight.