Addictiveness as a risk factor for verbal memory deficit in schizophrenia: a case-control study

Abstract

Cognitive deficit is one of the main prognostic predictors in schizophrenia, mainly the deficit in verbal memory. The causal relationship between substances use, substance use disorders and psychotic syndrome is probably multidirectional and still is under the possible effect of confusion factors. The Addictiveness in the Psychotic Syndrome Assessment Scale (APSAS) evaluates in a global mode the dimension of adictivity taking in account all these factors: beginning, frequency, length, and intensity. The objective of the study is to know if the dimension of adictivity is associated to memory disorders. A group of psychotic subjects with memory deficits (n = 47) and a control group of psychotic subjects without memory deficits (n = 58) are compared obtaining a major adictivity in the first group. According to our results, the score of APSAS > 55 indicates possible memory deficits. This measuring can provide relevant information on the actual state, evolution and prognose of patients with comorbidity of psychosis and addiction.