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ABSTRACT: Background
Episodic memory encoding and working memory (WM) deficits are among the first cognitive signs and symptoms in the course of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, it is not clear whether the deficit pattern is generalized or specific in nature. We hypothesized that encoding deficits at an early stage of the disease might be due to the more fundamental WM deficits.Methods
We examined episodic memory encoding and WM by administering the California Verbal Learning Test, a 2-back task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in 90 first-episode psychosis (FE) patients and 116 individuals with an at-risk mental state for psychosis (ARMS) compared to 57 healthy subjects.Results
Learning progress, but not span of apprehension, was diminished to a similar extent in both the ARMS and the FE. We showed that this was due to WM impairment by applying a structural equation approach.Conclusion
Thus, we conclude that verbal memory encoding deficits are secondary to primary WM impairment in emerging psychosis.
SUBMITTER: Pflueger MO
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5953273 | biostudies-literature | 2018
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Psychology research and behavior management 20180510
<h4>Background</h4>Episodic memory encoding and working memory (WM) deficits are among the first cognitive signs and symptoms in the course of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, it is not clear whether the deficit pattern is generalized or specific in nature. We hypothesized that encoding deficits at an early stage of the disease might be due to the more fundamental WM deficits.<h4>Methods</h4>We examined episodic memory encoding and WM by administering the California Verbal Learning Tes ...[more]