DISABILITY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN SCHIZOPHENIA: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY. (RELATION OF DISABILITY WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to see if there is any association between disability, positive- negative symptoms and executive functions in patients of schizophrenia.

Study had a crossectional design with purposive sampling in 50 patients with schizophrenia. Subjects were assessed using   sociodemographic        and clinical data sheet, PANSS, IDEAS (disability) and WCST (executive functions).

The result of the study revealed that poor executive functioning is responsible for functional impairment in patients with schizophrenia. A significant association was seen between IDEAS and WCST variables in patients of schizophrenia. A significant association was also seen between PANSS (positive and negative score) with IDEAS and WCST variables (disability and executive functions being more strongly associated with negative symptoms). On correlation analysis of socio-demographic and clinical data with IDEAS and WCST variables, a significant correlation (positive) of age and duration of illness was seen with IDEAS. Age and drug dosage were having significant (positive) correlation with WCST variable and education was found to be having significant (negative) correlation with WCST variables.

Executive functions and negative symptoms are crucial for functional outcome and independent living and are important target for intervention in order to reduce disability and improve quality of life in patients suffering from Schizophrenia.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Disability, Positive–negative symptoms, Executive functions.