The developmental course of executive functioning in schizophrenia

Executive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia, but our understanding of the developmental course of this neuropsychological domain in the disease remains largely unexplored. A review of the research evidence points to a number of persistent debates about the course of executive functioning and its relation to illness course. A better understanding of the neurocognitive trajectories of executive functioning in schizophrenia could help identify the risk and modifying factors that influence the onset, severity and course of disease, and the chance to re-direct or re-shape that course and improve outcomes. To accomplish this requires assessment of the diverse and integrated nature of those abilities, and the changes over time in those abilities requires multiple instruments and techniques in order to improve the research methods and understanding of an important area of impairment in schizophrenia.

Research highlights▶ Research to date on IQ, high risk, first episode, and early onset psychosis provides important lessons pursuing more comprehensive studies on executive functioning. ▶ The complexity, scope of ability areas, and developmental course of executive functioning requires population based, longitudinal cohort studies.