Abstract

Applied Short-Form WAIS-III to Explore Global Cognitive Profile of the Patients with Schizophrenia

Author(s): Chia-Ju Lin, Chin-Chuen Lin, Yi-Yung Hung, Meng-Chang Tsai, Shih-Chun Ho, Ya-Ling Wang, Ming-Che Tsai, Ming-Hsiung Liu, Yung-Hsuan Lee, Tiao-Lai Huang

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive impairment. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) has been used extensively to assess cognitive function in schizophrenia in research and clinical practice. This study aimed to validate the short-form WAIS-III in efficiently assessing global cognitive profile of the patients with schizophrenia.

Methods and Findings: Thirty-four patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited from the medical centre. Each participant received the short-form WAIS-III consisting of seven core subtests. The test provided scores for VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ, along with four secondary indexes (Verbal Comprehension, Working Memory, Perceptual Organization, and Processing Speed). The results showed that patients with schizophrenia generally had low scores in the short-form WAIS-III, especially in FSIQ, PIQ and Processing Speed index, in agreement with previous research. Moreover, the scores of four indexes from high to low were Verbal Comprehension, Working Memory, Perceptual Organization, and Processing Speed. However, no significant deficit of Working Memory index was observed in this study, which may indicate that Working Memory index was affected by illness duration.

Conclusions:The short-form WAIS-III may have clinical potential for assessment of global cognitive profile of schizophrenia. Furthermore, Working Memory index needs to be taken into account when applied in rehabilitation.