Neurocognitive Functions in Patients With Remitted and Nonremitted Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: We aimed to clarify the neurocognitive features of outpatients with remitted and nonremitted schizophrenia. DESIGN AND METHODS: The neurocognitive functions of 22 remitted and 41 nonremitted outpatients with schizophrenia and age-matched healthy controls were compared, after controlling for demographic and psychiatric variables. FINDINGS: The spatial attention scores of both groups were lower than those of age-matched healthy controls. The processing speed and visual attention of remitted patients were better than those of nonremitted patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Psychiatric nurses should place patients with nonremitted schizophrenia in environments that facilitate patient vigilance and limit the need for quick responses.