VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS AND PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Background: A large number of studies suggest that neurocognitive deficits are seen in schizophrenia. However the association between these deficits and symptoms of schizophrenia is not clear. The aim of this study was to... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
A large number of studies suggest that neurocognitive deficits are seen in schizophrenia. However the association between these deficits and symptoms of schizophrenia is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between visual perception skill and psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.
Method:
Sixty-five people with chronic schizophrenia aged 19-53 (mean age= 34.5) were included in the study. Motor Free Visual Perception Test-Third Edition was used to evaluate visual perceptual skills of participants. Symptom rating was made using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). The significance of the relation was calculated using the Spearman test.
Results:
There was no statistically significant relationship between visual perception scores and SAPS and SANS scores (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
When dealing with schizophrenia, perceptual impairments must be taken into account independently from symptoms.
Application to Practice:
Further research is necessary in order to support the results and explore the factors that have impact on visual perception in schizophrenia.