Stability of performance on neuropsychological tests in patients with schizophrenia.

This study evaluated the stability of performance on neuropsychological tests in a group of 14 schizophrenic patients. These patients were first tested as inpatients and later on as outpatients. The patients' results are also compared with matched normal controls and with standardized norms.

[Alcohol-induced cognitive impairment is reversible. Neuropsychological tests but not MRT show improvement after abstinence].

Of alcoholic patients who underwent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain and neuropsychological tests shortly after discontinuation of heavy drinking, a subgroup underwent repeat MRI scans and neuropsychological assessment one year later. The reduction in drinking habits was associated with cognitive improvement but no significant difference in MRI variables including T1-relaxation time.

Impaired neuropsychological performance in euthymic patients with recurring mood disorders.

Background: Both patients suffering from schizophrenia and patients suffering from recurring mood disorder show cognitive impairments as established by a variety of neuropsychological tests. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuropsychological performance of euthymic patients who had recurring mood disorder and the possible relationship between episodes of hospitalization and cognitive impairments.

Method: Twenty-six euthymic patients with a DSM-III-R recurring mood disorder diagnosis were investigated by using the Synonym Reasoning and Block-Test Battery and a part of the Halstead-Reitan Test Battery.

Dependence on sedative-hypnotics: neuropsychological impairment, field dependence and clinical course in a 5-year follow-up study.

Despite some neuropsychological improvement in a group of 30 patients who had been hospitalized for primary abuse of sedatives or hypnotics 4-6 years earlier, the prevalence of intellectual impairment was still increased and about as high as before. As in alcoholic patients CAT scan of the brain showed an increased prevalence of dilatation of the ventricular system, but unlike alcoholics not of widened cortical sulci. Field dependence and visuo-spatial skills during treatment predicted abuse status at follow-up.