P03-36 - A new Neurocognitive Scale for Schizophrenia Which Could be Used in Daily Practice

Abstract

Background

Neurocognition is impaired in patients with schizophrenia, and almost all patients demonstrate some measure of decline from their expected level. Neurocognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia and is the single strongest correlate of real-world functioning. To date, several instruments can measure neurocognition, but none of them could be used in daily clinical practice because of their long duration of assessment or the high level of training needed to use them. The aim of the present study was to create a scale that measures different neurocognitive domains usually impaired in schizophrenia (attention, work memory, verbal memory and executive functions).

Method and results

40 patients with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR criteria have been included in the study and 100% of the patients have been able to complete the scale, that was generally well accepted. Neurocognition was also evaluated in some of the patients with the WAIS-III to compare the scores with our new and not validated scale. Psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and ergotherapists administered the scale. Inter-ratter reliability was evaluated. The time to complete the scale was not more than 10 minutes. Results are under analysis and will be presented during the meeting.

Conclusion

Measuring neurocognition in daily practice is crucial to better evaluate the effect on neurocognition of pharmacological and none pharmacological cares in schizophrenia.