Intellectual capacity measurement in schizophrenia
Chamorro, L.; de Felipe, M.V.; Soler, M.M.; Olivares, D.; Huertas, D.
Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria 36(1): 33-38
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1139-9287 PMID: 18286398 Document Number: 625970
The measurement of the intellectual capacity (IC) in schizophrenic patients has been found to be of clinical relevance. A user-friendly tool such as the Cattell's intelligence test might facilitate this measurement in daily clinical practice. In this study, we measured the intelligence quotient (IQ) using Cattell's test in 35 schizophrenic patients before and after treatment with risperidone. At baseline, the sample showed an average intelligence of 78.3 points (standard deviation [SD]: 14.3), in the low-medium range. After 1 year on risperidone, the IQ significantly improved (mean: 84.8; SD: 17.0; p = 0.028). This IQ elevation was positively correlated with the improvement in the psychotic symptoms rated with the PANSS. Cattell's intelligence test could be a valid instrument to measure cognitive performance in schizophrenic patients. Antipsychotic therapy with risperidone could be effective to improve cognitive functioning in these subjects.