Publication:

Neuropsychological dysfunction in schizophrenia: a study of executive functioning, vigilance and abstraction

Background Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by profound disturbances in cognition, perception and behaviour. This study examines neuropsychological dysfunctions in adult schizophrenic patients, specifically focusing on executive functioning, vigilance and abstraction. To assess deficits in neuropsychological domains among adult schizophrenic patients and compare them with healthy controls.

Methods A prospective, matched control group design was used, comprising 30 adult schizophrenic patients and 30 healthy controls matched for socio-demographic variables. neuropsychological assessments included Bhatia’s short battery of performance test for intelligence, symbol cancellation test and the similarity Test. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and correlation analyses were used for data interpretation.

Results Schizophrenic patients demonstrated significant impairments in executive functioning, vigilance and abstraction compared to healthy controls. Deficits were evident in working memory, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, sustained attention and abstract reasoning, reinforcing the role of frontal lobe dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Conclusions The study highlights marked neuropsychological deficits in schizophrenia, emphasizing the need for targeted cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Addressing these impairments through structured interventions may improve functional outcomes and overall quality of life in patients.