Disturbed cognitive functioning and clinical symptoms: two independent problem areas in schizophrenia

Background: Research findings on the relationship between cognitive functioning and psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia have yielded inconsistent results. Although several models were postulated linking cognition and symptoms, the most recent studies point in the direction of cognition and symptoms being relatively independent disease processes. Objective: The hypothesis that cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms are independent disease processes was tested. Methods: The relationship between cognitive functioning and clinical symptoms was examined in a large sample of 100 schizophrenia patients. Results: The hypothesis was largely confirmed. Conclusion: No convincing evidence was found that symptoms and cognition were related