Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Dysfunction in interpersonal relations, work, education, and/or self care is a hallmark of schizophrenia. Numerous studies have attempted to clarify how cognitive deficits may be related to patients’ positive and negative symptoms and real-world functioning, and have evaluated interventions to improve patient outcomes. Though effective interventions have proven elusive, the literature continues to grow rapidly. This review of the most recent studies places them in the broader context of the evolution of knowledge of cognition, while focusing on the definition of cognitive domains, the ways in which cognitive deficits may be related to social functioning (among other aspects of real-world functioning), and the patterns and implications of cognitive deficits in old age with respect to patients’ health and perceived quality of life. To date, lengthy, multifaceted interventions have shown the most promise. To improve self care, interventions targeting patients’ dysfunctional beliefs about aging may be particularly helpful.