In 1939, Wechsler developed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, which has been revised to the fourth edition (Abbreviated as WAIS-IV) and includes 10 subtests covering 4 cognitive indices. Based on the cognitive indices, the participants’ full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) is obtained. A study using WAIS IV and its previous versions to evaluate cognitive impairment in schizophrenia found that the FSIQ score of the patient group was 1-2 standard deviations lower than that of the healthy control group, with the most significant impairment in processing speed and working memory. Even when patients and healthy control group were matched on FSIQ, a decrease in processing speed was found in the patient group, indicating that slowing down processing speed may be one of the key reasons for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia patients.
Although there are numerous studies using WAIS for patients with schizophrenia, WAIS does not cover all impaired cognitive domains in schizophrenia patients. The complete set of WAIS is complex and time-consuming for patients, has low compliance, and has not been proven to be sensitive to drug efficacy.
Author(s) Details:
Hou Yongmei,
Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.