Apathy and Executive Functioning in First Episode Psychosis
Author Information
Author(s): Faerden Ann, Vaskinn Anja, Finset Arnstein, Agartz Ingrid, Barrett Elizabeth Ann, Friis Svein, Simonsen Carmen, Andreassen Ole A, Melle Ingrid
Primary Institution: Ullevål University Hospital
Hypothesis
Apathy is more associated with tests representing executive function than tests representing other neurocognitive domains.
Conclusion
The study found a significant relationship between apathy and executive functioning in first episode psychosis patients, similar to findings in chronic schizophrenia patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Apathy was significantly associated with tests from the executive domain.
- The relationship between apathy and executive functioning was not influenced by depression or antipsychotic medication.
- The study replicated findings from chronic schizophrenia patients in a first episode psychosis population.
Takeaway
This study shows that when people have apathy, they might also have trouble with tasks that require thinking and planning, especially in those experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Methodology
Seventy-one first episode psychosis patients were assessed using a neuropsychological test battery and the Apathy Evaluation Scale.
Limitations
The study only measured one specific negative subsymptom and had a time difference between clinical assessment and neuropsychological testing for some patients.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":27.4,"gender_distribution":{"male":37,"female":34},"education_years":12.5,"diagnosis_distribution":{"schizophrenia_spectrum":36,"affective_psychosis":15,"other_psychosis":20}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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