Comparative profile analysis of cognitive function in recent-onset and chronic patients with adolescent-onset schizophrenia

We used z-transformed scores derived with reference to 43 healthy controls to compare cognitive profiles and selectivity of cognitive deficits in 19 recent-onset and 23 chronic patients with adolescent-onset schizophrenia. Relative to the controls, both patient groups were impaired in IQ, verbal memory and planning, but not visual memory or attention/mental flexibility. There were no significant differences in level or shape of cognitive profile between the two patient groups. Attention/mental flexibility emerged as a selective strength, and planning as a selective deficit, while verbal memory showed a trend towards selective impairment in the patients.