Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: early course and treatment

Recent increases in interest in the importance of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia has increased awareness of these phenomena. Studies of the early course of schizophrenia have indicated that first episode patients clearly show these deficits, while some may even be present before the formal onset of symptoms. Furthermore, interest in treatment of these deficits has been increased by several reports indicating that newer antipsychotic medications enhance cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia, relative to treatment with older medications. This paper reviews data regarding the early course of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, demonstrating that these deficits are clearly present at the time of the first episode. We also review the literature on cognitive enhancement with newer medications, considering the very latest publications in this area. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.