Neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms are accompanied by cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia

M. Krausz*, S. H. Moritz, D. Naber, M. Lambert, B. Andresen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cognitive impairments in schizophrenics have been found to precede tardive dyskinesia and to co-exist with other motor deficits. However, little is yet known about the prevalence of cognitive disturbances in patients with neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism. From the literature on idiopathic parkinson, it was inferred that extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are accompanied by cognitive dysfunction. 85 schizophrenic in-patients were divided into EPS high and low scorers according to an established criterion (Simpson Angus Scale, cut-off score: 0.4). Cognitive impairments were assessed using a self-rating instrument measuring disturbances of information processing. Patients with high EPS exhibited significantly elevated scores in six of ten cognitive and perceptual subscales (t= 2.1-3.1) as compared to low EPS patients. It is concluded that high EPS patients suffer from cognitive disturbances which are assumed to possess high relevance for both psycho-social and medical treatment. Cognitive problems may, when not considered, disturb compliance, insight of illness and transfer of learnt skills into everyday life.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)84-88
Number of pages5
JournalEuropean Psychiatry
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognition
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms
  • Neuropsychology
  • Side-effects

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