Clinical and cognitive correlate of gaze pattern in early psychosis

Abstract

Lack of eye contact is one of the key clinical observations in schizophrenia. Sixteen schizophrenic patients and sixteen control subjects participated in our study of eye gazing. Frequencies of eye contact of both groups were measured in a role-play test which is closer to a natural environment. Autistic traits of both groups were measured using the Autism Quotient Questionnaire. We hypothesized that patients’ frequencies of eye contact were fewer than control subjects. We anticipated that patient group would score high in AQ. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between frequency of eye contact and cognitive functioning and symptomatology. Lastly, the study also examined the relationship between frequency of eye contact and autistic traits. Result showed that patients’ eye contact were significantly fewer than control group. Patients’ overall cognitive functioning was not as good as control group. In addition, schizophrenic patients scored significantly higher than control group in the Autism Quotient Questionnaire; autistic traits were found in schizophrenia patients. There was no relationship between frequency of eye contact and cognitive functioning. Nonetheless, negative correlation was found between frequency of eye contact and Digital symbol. More eye contact was associated with lower Digital symbol score. No relationship was found between frequency of eye contact and Autism quotient. Lastly, a trend correlation was found between frequency of eye contact and PANSS negative score; more eye contact was associated with higher PANSS negative score.