Dual-task information processing in schizotypal personality disorder: evidence of impaired processing capacity.

Full Abstract

Working memory theories heavily rely on the concept of processing resources and the their efficient deployment. Some recent work with schizophrenia-spectrum patients has suggested that many associated cognitive impairments may be reduced to deficits in working memory, possibly related to reductions in information-processing capacity resources. In this study, 38 patients with schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), 22 patients with other personality disorders, and 14 healthy comparison participants performed a dual-task processing assessment that was designed specifically for use in this type of study. Participants recalled lists of digits at their predetermined maximum digit span and performed box-checking tests, first alone and then in a dual-task format. Instructions included equal prioritization of both tasks. SPD patients had significantly shorter digit spans, and they also showed more deterioration on both tasks. Performance operating characteristics curves indicated that SPD patients' reduced performance was not due to abnormal resource allocation strategies leading to strategic failures. The authors discuss the implications of these processing capacity limitations for understanding both the signature of cognitive impairment within the schizophrenia spectrum and general abnormalities in working memory.((c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

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Author information

Author/s: Harvey, Philip D (PD); Reichenberg, Abraham (A); Romero, Michelle (M); Granholm, Eric (E); Siever, Larry J (LJ);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. Philipdharvey1(-atsign-)cs.com

Grants: MH 56140 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS) ; MH 63116 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

Journal: Neuropsychology (Neuropsychology), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 20 (issue 4) : pp 453-60

Dates: Created 2006/07/18; Completed 2006/09/19; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 16846263, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Analysis of Variance
Case-Control Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Memory, Short-Term - physiology

Memory, Short-Term - physiology
Mental Processes - physiology
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests
Personality Disorders - physiopathology
Reaction Time - physiology
Schizoid Personality Disorder - complications; diagnosis; physiopathology

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