Relapse of first-episode schizophrenia patients and neurocognitive impairment: The role of dopaminergic and anticholinergic burden

Background: The prevention of relapse may be a key factor to diminish the cognitive impairment of first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients. We aimed to ascertain the effects of relapse, and dopaminergic and anticholinergic treatment burdens on cognitive functioning in the follow-up. Methods: Ninety-nine FES patients participated in this study. Cognitive assessments were performed at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up or, in those patients who relapsed, after >2 months of stabilization of the new acute psychotic episode. The primary outcomes were final cognitive dimensions. Results: Repeated measures MANOVA analyses showed improvements in the whole sample on the end-point assessments in processing speed and social cognition. However, only impairment in social cognition showed a significant interaction with relapse by time in this sample.

Automated summary

This study found that cognitive functioning improved in processing speed and social cognition in FES patients during follow-up. Social cognition showed a significant interaction with relapse in this sample.