Abstract

Objectives: Assessment of cognitive deficits in patients with schizo-phrenia bears significant implications, particulary in localizing the underlying accompanying neurological impairments. This study aimed for evaluation of cognitive deficits in first-degree relatives of these patients who reflect the same underlying genetic vulnerability for the disorder.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, 30 patients with schizophrenia, 30 first-degree relatives, and 30 control subjects were assessed. They completed tests of verbal & visual paired associate recall, Wechsler digit span, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). Data were analysed using statistical t-test, ANOVA, Tukey test, Chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Our study revealed alterations in the memory of patients with schizophrenia and their first-degree relatives compared to the controls. Both patients and their relatives also showed significant diffrence in verbal and visual paired associate recall tests, backward digit span, and PASAT.

Conclusion: Diminished cognitive functions is observed in first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia. Verbal and visual paired asso-ciation tests, Backward digit Span test, and PASAT may indicate vulner-ability towards this disorder.