A model of memory impairment in schizophrenia: cognitive and clinical factors associated with memory efficiency and memory errors

Schizophr Res. 2013 Dec;151(1-3):70-7. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.09.009. Epub 2013 Oct 7.

Abstract

Background: Memory impairments in patients with schizophrenia have been associated with various cognitive and clinical factors. Hallucinations have been more specifically associated with errors stemming from source monitoring failure.

Methods: We conducted a broad investigation of verbal memory and visual memory as well as source memory functioning in a sample of patients with schizophrenia. Various memory measures were tallied, and we studied their associations with processing speed, working memory span, and positive, negative, and depressive symptoms.

Results: Superficial and deep memory processes were differentially associated with processing speed, working memory span, avolition, depression, and attention disorders. Auditory/verbal and visual hallucinations were differentially associated with specific types of source memory error.

Conclusions: We integrated all the results into a revised version of a previously published model of memory functioning in schizophrenia. The model describes the factors that affect memory efficiency, as well as the cognitive underpinnings of hallucinations within the source monitoring framework.

Keywords: Hallucinations; Memory; Processing speed; Schizophrenia; Source monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Association*
  • Cognition Disorders / complications*
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Female
  • Hallucinations / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / etiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / complications*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Semantics
  • Verbal Learning