Schizophrenia Research
Volume 78, Issue 1 , Pages 35-43, 1 October 2005

The course of cognitive functioning in first episode psychosis: Changes over time and impact on outcome

  • Jean Addington

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
    • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 1R8
    • Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 1R8. Tel.: +1 416 535 8501; fax: +1 416 979 6936.
    • ,
  • Huma Saeedi

      Affiliations

    • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5T 1R8
    • ,
  • Donald Addington

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada

Received 12 February 2005; received in revised form 24 April 2005; accepted 6 May 2005.

Abstract 

This three year longitudinal study examined the cognitive performance of 247 individuals who recently presented with a first episode of psychosis. Using a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests, we assessed cognition at baseline, 1 year and 2-year follow-ups. Assessments also included positive and negative symptoms, depression, social outcome and substance use. There were several significant improvements in cognition over the two-year period which were usually matched by improvements in a matched non-psychiatric control group. Regression analyses demonstrated that after controlling for symptoms cognitive impairment accounted for 4–6% of the variance in social functioning. Our results suggest that impaired cognition exists in the very early stages of a psychotic illness and that there is no decline over time. Secondly, our results suggest that, although related, poor social functioning deficits may be independent of cognitive impairment. Finally there are implications for improved methodology in the assessment of both cognitive and social functioning.

Keywords: Early psychosis, Schizophrenia, Cognitive functioning, Outcome, Longitudinal course

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PII: S0920-9964(05)00198-2

doi:10.1016/j.schres.2005.05.008

Schizophrenia Research
Volume 78, Issue 1 , Pages 35-43, 1 October 2005

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