Basic symptoms as subjective cognitive deficit in schizophrenia: Cognitive, clinical and functional associations

Abstract

Introduction

Basic symptoms are subjective complaints that present at the early states in psychotic disorders and persist in the long-term. They can be studied using hetero applied clinical instruments or self-administered questionnaires. Basic symptoms can be useful as screening tools in at risk populations.

Aims

To determine if basic symptoms (subjective cognitive deficits) are associated with the objectively measured cognitive deficit after controlling for functioning and symptomatology.

Methods

One observational, transversal, psychopathological and neuropsychological study was performed on a schizophrenia outpatients sample (n = 78). Correlations were measured by using Spearman's Rho coefficient. Basic symptoms were registered by using the Frankfurt Complaints Questionnaire (FCQ-3); cognitive status was assessed by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS); clinical status was assessed by PANSS and Clinical Global Impression (CGI); functional status was measured with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).

Results

All the dimensions were related to subjective complaints: cognitive functioning (r = −.38; P < .001); positive symptoms (r = .54; P < .001); negative symptoms (r = .26; P < .02); general symptoms (r = .41; P < .001); CGI (r = .57; P < .001); GAF (r = −.45; P < .001). The association between subjective and objective cognitive deficit remains significative after controlling for the clinical and functional variables, except when controlling for CGI.

Conclusions

The evaluation of basic symptoms with FCQ-3 is related with an objective cognitive deficit and could be useful as a screening tool.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.