Tone duration mismatch negativity deficits predict impairment of executive function in schizophrenia

Impairment in mismatch negativity (MMN) potentials is a robust finding in schizophrenia. There are few studies which examined the correlation between MMN deficits and neuropsychological performances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between deficits of tone duration MMN and various neuropsychological measures in schizophrenic patients (n = 23). The results demonstrated a significant correlation between low MMN amplitude and poor performances of executive function in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test and Trail Making Test. Our finding suggests MMN deficits in schizophrenia predict deficits of executive function and might reflect ongoing functional abnormality of fronto-temporal interaction.