Neurocognitive differences between inpatients and outpatients with symptomatically nonremitted schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine whether neurocognition in individuals with nonremitted schizophrenia differed between inpatients and outpatients.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

We recruited 59 inpatients and 41 patients with nonremitted schizophrenia (assessed with the Andreason criteria), and neurocognitive functions were compared between both, controlling for demographics, psychiatric symptoms.

FINDINGS: Outpatients with nonremitted schizophrenia performed better on tests of processing speed, visual attention, and working memory than did inpatients with nonremitted.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To facilitate discharge for nonremitted inpatients, nursing could focus on processing speed, e.g., arranging the environment such that patients do not need quick responses.