Executive Dysfunction in Chronic Schizophrenia

Executive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia. Executive function is an important cognitive domain crucial for an individual to achieve adaptive living. The present researchers undertook a neuropsychological assessment of executive function among Nigerian patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The assessment tools employed were mini-mental status examination (MMSE), trail making test (TMT) parts A and B, fluency test and Stroop colour word test (SCWT), Working memory, inhibition, fluency and set shifting were the four component of executive function which were investigated. A total of ninety-seven participants consisting of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (n=53, 26 females and 27 males); and a control group of 44 persons (21 females and 23 males) took part in the study. There were statistically significant differences between Schizophrenics and controls on all the parameters employed. Utilizing regression analysis, the most significant predictors of TMT part B parameter among cases were with general cognitive functioning (t= 3.03, P< 0.004) and current age (t= 2.54, P= 0.014). Schizophrenia cases, showed more executive function impairment than controls on the domains investigated.