Social cognition of patients with schizophrenia across the phases of illness - A longitudinal study

Aim This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate social cognition of patients with schizophrenia at two points, i.e., during the symptomatic phase and clinical remission phase. Additional aim was to evaluate the relationship of social cognition with psychopathology and functional outcome. Methodology Fifty-one patients (N = 51) were evaluated on Social Cognition Rating Tools in Indian Setting (SOCRATIS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Socio-occupational functioning scale (SOFS) and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) during the symptomatic phase of illness. These patients were followed-up longitudinally for achieving clinical remission. Out of the 51 patients, 32 patients underwent second assessment after a mean duration of 143 (SD 34.9) days, while in clinical remission. Data of 111 healthy controls was used for comparison. Results Social cognitive deficits were present in both the phases of illness. However, when the baseline and follow-up data was compared, it was evident that the severity of social cognition deficits is lower during the clinical remission phase. Higher levels of social cognitive deficits in both phases of illness are associated with higher socio-occupational dysfunction and higher disability. Conclusion Present study suggests that impairment in social cognition in patients with schizophrenia is present both in symptomatic and remission phase, with higher level of deficits during the symptomatic phase. Social cognition impairments are associated with poor social and occupational functioning and higher level of disability.