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Cognition Schizophrenia — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateRehabilitationCognition SchizophreniaMRCPsych Paper B

In clinically stable adults with schizophrenia, which pattern of cognitive performance is most characteristic at group level when compared with healthy controls?

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Correct answer: D — Prominent impairment in processing speed, working memory and executive function

Schizophrenia is associated with broad rather than completely domain-specific cognitive impairment, but reduced processing speed, working memory and executive functioning form a particularly characteristic profile. Processing-speed measures are often among the most severely affected, while substantial working-memory and executive deficits are also consistently demonstrated. Language comprehension and crystallised verbal knowledge are often relatively preserved compared with these functions, making A and D less characteristic. Visuospatial impairment can occur, but it is not usually the predominant isolated pattern described in C. Procedural learning may also be affected in some patients, but isolated procedural and motor-sequencing dysfunction is not the principal neurocognitive profile. These deficits are clinically important because they contribute to impaired rehabilitation and everyday functioning.

Reference: de Oliveira MO et al. Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Studies. Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 2023;25(5):22r03456. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37857289/