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Relationship between insight, cognitive function, social function and symptomatology in schizophrenia

The West London first episode study

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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To examine the nature and clinical correlates of insight in first-episode schizophrenia, and how these differ from findings in established schizophrenia.

Method

Insight (and insight dimensions), clinical symptoms, neurocognitive function and social function were assessed in 94 patients with first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder according to DSM-IV criteria.

Results

Greater global insight was associated with more severe depression. Poor overall insight was associated significantly with more severe negative and disorganisation symptoms as well as poor working memory, and at a trend level with lower current IQ. Patients with poor insight perceived themselves to have a better level of independent performance at daily living activities.

Conclusion

In first-episode psychosis, the clinical correlates of poor insight are similar to those reported for established schizophrenia. Those patients with greater insight may be at risk of depression. The complex relationships between insight, positive and negative symptoms, neurocognitive dysfunction and social function may reflect the multidimensional nature of insight.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust. The authors would like to thank past and present members of the West London First Episode research team for their work collecting data, and also acknowledge the contribution of the patients who participated in the study, and the involvement of the members of their multidisciplinary clinical teams.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Imperial College, St. Dunstan’s Road, London, W6 8RP

    Stanley H. Mutsatsa, Eileen M. Joyce & Thomas R.E. Barnes

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex, UK

    Sam B. Hutton

Authors
  1. Stanley H. Mutsatsa
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  2. Eileen M. Joyce
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  3. Sam B. Hutton
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  4. Thomas R.E. Barnes
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Correspondence to Stanley H. Mutsatsa.

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Mutsatsa, S.H., Joyce, E.M., Hutton, S.B. et al. Relationship between insight, cognitive function, social function and symptomatology in schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 256, 356–363 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-006-0645-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-006-0645-7

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