What term is used to describe the cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia?

What term is used to describe the cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia?

• A. Mood instability in schizophrenia
• B. Sensory misperception in schizophrenia
• C. Motor retardation in schizophrenia
• D. Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

Answer: (D)

In schizophrenia, problems with thinking skills are described as cognitive deficits. These include difficulties with attention, working memory, learning and memory, processing speed, and executive function like planning and problem-solving. They often persist even when other symptoms (such as hallucinations or mood changes) are improved, and they significantly affect daily functioning and recovery. The other options refer to different symptom domains: mood instability pertains to affective symptoms, sensory misperception to hallucinations or perceptual distortions, and motor retardation to slowed movements or psychomotor slowing.

In schizophrenia, problems with thinking skills are described as cognitive deficits. These include difficulties with attention, working memory, learning and memory, processing speed, and executive function like planning and problem-solving. They often persist even when other symptoms (such as hallucinations or mood changes) are improved, and they significantly affect daily functioning and recovery.

The other options refer to different symptom domains: mood instability pertains to affective symptoms, sensory misperception to hallucinations or perceptual distortions, and motor retardation to slowed movements or psychomotor slowing.