Comparative study of memory deficits in first episode schizophrenia, chronic schizophrenia and non-patient group

Pages: 571-574
Mudassir Hassan and Mohd Altaf Paul (Clinical Psychologist, Jamia Millia Islamia, University, New Delhi)
Deapti Mishra (Department of Clinical Psychology, Post Graduate Institute of Behaviour and Medical Science, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
Firdous Var (Clinical Psychologist, NIMHANS, Bangalore)
Pardeep Kumar (Psychiatric Social Worker, State Institute of Mental Health, PGI-MS, Rohtak, Haryana)
Dharmender Kumar (Nehra Clinical Psychologist, State Institute of Mental Health, PGI-MS, Rohtak, Haryana)
Ajaz Khan (Department of Clinical Psychology, Government Medical Collage, Srinagar, Kashmir)

Patients with schizophrenia have pronounced deficits in memory which can vary along the course of disease. A sample of 40 patients [20 first episodes schizophrenia and 20 chronic schizophrenia] was selected from the out-patient department of “Post Graduate Institute of Behavioral And Medical Sciences”, Raipur (C.G) using purposive sampling method. Benton Visual Retention test, PGI Memory scale and General Health Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Significant difference was seen regarding memory impairment between patient group and non-patient group on Benton Visual Retention Test. Memory Impairment in chronic schizophrenia patients is greater than first episode schizophrenia.