Gender specific correlations of neurocognition and functioning in first episode psychosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Studies of gender differences in cognitive functioning have yielded mixed results in schizophrenia research so far. This study examined correlates of cognition including demographics, symptoms and functioning in men and women, as well as predictors of cognition in a large sample of patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) in Hong Kong. METHOD: Detailed demographic, clinical and functioning data were collected from 360 FEP patients upon admission into a specialized early intervention service. They were also administered a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests. RESULTS: Bivariate correlation analyses showed that memory and working memory were more significantly associated with onset age, negative symptoms and side effects in women. Processing speed was associated with antipsychotic dosage in men and side effects in women. Selective attention was associated with positive and negative symptoms in women, and onset age and educational level in men. Executive function is associated with onset age and positive symptoms in women. All cognitive domains were significantly associated with educational level and functioning in both genders. DUP and disorganization had no significant correlations. Further analyses with linear regression indicated that negative symptoms were predictive of cognition in both genders, while positive symptoms, medication side effects and affective symptoms were predictors in men and women respectively. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that although there are similarities in cognitive deficits, considerable heterogeneity exists in associations of symptoms and cognitive performance in men and women. Results will enable more individual tailoring of treatment plans, including cognitive remediation therapy.