J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2002 Mar;41(2):322-334.

Executive Function in Psychiatric Patient Groups through Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Computer Version (WCST)

• Lee JA
• Shin DK
• Lee CU
• Lee MS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to compare executive functions in patients with Organic Brain Syndrome(OBS), Schizophrenia, Depression and normal control group with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Computer Version (WCST).
METHODS
WCST was administered to 82 normal adults, 32 OBS patients, 29 schizophrenic patients, and 22 depressive patients. WCST 16 indices in four groups were compared, using ANOVA and posthoc comparison. WCST performance was examined by factor analysis on the 15 indices of WCST on total subjects and the factor scores were compared. RESULT: WCST 16 indices in mental disorders (OBS, Schizophrenia, Depression) were lower than those of control groups. Three factors were derived from the analysis. These consisted of 'perseveration', 'nonperseverative error' and 'inefficient sorting'. Comparing factor scores, differences in 'perseverative error' factor and 'inefficient sorting' factor were found.
CONCLUSION
The impairment of higher cognitive functions, especially executive function impairment in OBS and schizophrenia, was qualitatively different from those of depression and normal control groups. WCST can differentiate specific pattern of executive function impairment in mental disorders.

Keyword

Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST); Executive function; Organic brain syndromes; Schizophrenia; Depression

MeSH Terms

Adult
Brain
Depression
Executive Function*
Humans
Mental Disorders
Schizophrenia
Wisconsin*