Abstract

TOSTES, Jorge Gelvane et al. Schizophrenia and cognition: understanding the attentional, perceptual and mnemonic dimensions of schizophrenia. Psicol. pesq. [online]. 2020, vol.14, n.spe, pp. 102-119. ISSN 1982-1247.  http://dx.doi.org/10.34019/1982-1247.2020.v14.30284.

Schizophrenia is a serious and disabling mental disorder whose diagnostic criteria are positive or negative symptoms, disorganized or catatonic speech and thinking. It takes place with important cognitive dysfunctions with impacts on attention, executive function, working memory, among others. Such deficits may be present before positive symptoms or even, in a subsyndromal manner since the childhood of these individuals. The dopaminergic hypothesis is the most accepted in the genesis of neurochemical disorders, but there is increasing evidence of the involvement of other systems such as glutamatergic and serotonergic. With regard specifically to cognitive deficits, dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex stand out, especially its dorsolateral portion and its connections with the hippocampus. It is also understood that the cognitive test of people affected by this pathology is very important and there are neuropsychological tests batteries available, such as Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) and tests validated in Brazil such as the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Considering the high loss of functionality and life quality of these patients, especially those more affected in cognitive ability, there is a need for greater efforts to understand this complex disorder aiming more effective treatments and even the development of preventive strategies.

Keywords : Schizophrenia; Psychosis; Cognition; Functionality.

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