Classification of schizophrenia as a psychotic disorder has greatly inhibited progress in understanding and treating the disorder, as cognitive underperformance lies at the core of schizophrenia. Cognitive function is an important determinant of global functional outcome. This chapter reviews evidence in support of the view that schizophrenia is a cognitive disorder. Risk factors, cognitive decline, and developmental trajectories are discussed, and the consequences of considering schizophrenia a cognitive instead of a psychotic disorder are explored. It is proposed that development of effective treatments needs to focus on the cognitive aspects of the disorder.
© Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies.