J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2004 Jul;43(4):407-414.

Memory Functions in Schizophrenic Patients

• Kim H
• Seo SG

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate memory functions in schizophrenic patients.
METHODS
The participants were 45 schizophrenic patients and 27 normal controls. The Rey-Kim Memory Test (RKMT) was used as the testing instrument.
RESULTS
1) Schizophrenic patients showed a significantly lower Memory Quotient (MQ) compared with control participants. Their memory impairment was more severe relative to their intelligence impairment. 2) Memory deficits in schizophrenic patients were most pronounced in retrieval phase compared with encoding or retention phase. 3) Both verbal and visual memory were impaired in schizophrenic patients. 4) There were qualitative as well as quantitative individual differences in memory functions among schizophrenic patients.
CONCLUSION
Memory impairment in schizophrenia represents a selective cognitive deficit. Its clinical presentation is similar to 'frontal amnesia' in that retrieval deficit is most pronounced.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Memory; Cognitive function; Neuropsychological function

MeSH Terms

Humans
Individuality
Intelligence
Memory Disorders
Memory*
Schizophrenia