Which factor is associated with a worse prognosis in schizophrenia?

Which factor is associated with a worse prognosis in schizophrenia?

• A. Cognitive Impairment
• B. Early Onset
• C. Negative Symptoms
• D. Absence of Social Deficits

Answer: (A)

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is a major determinant of prognosis because it directly affects everyday functioning. Deficits in attention, working memory, learning, and executive function undermine a person’s ability to plan, problem-solve, and adapt to new situations. These cognitive problems persist even when positive psychotic symptoms are controlled, so they continue to limit daily living, employment, social relationships, and engagement with treatment. Because real-world functioning is a core measure of recovery and long-term outcome, cognitive deficits tend to predict a poorer overall prognosis more reliably than some other factors. Early onset is associated with worse outcomes, and negative symptoms—like reduced motivation and affect—also contribute to poorer functioning, but cognitive deficits most strongly predict how well someone can recover and reintegrate into daily life. The absence of social deficits would typically suggest a better prognosis, not a worse one.

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is a major determinant of prognosis because it directly affects everyday functioning. Deficits in attention, working memory, learning, and executive function undermine a person’s ability to plan, problem-solve, and adapt to new situations. These cognitive problems persist even when positive psychotic symptoms are controlled, so they continue to limit daily living, employment, social relationships, and engagement with treatment. Because real-world functioning is a core measure of recovery and long-term outcome, cognitive deficits tend to predict a poorer overall prognosis more reliably than some other factors.

Early onset is associated with worse outcomes, and negative symptoms—like reduced motivation and affect—also contribute to poorer functioning, but cognitive deficits most strongly predict how well someone can recover and reintegrate into daily life. The absence of social deficits would typically suggest a better prognosis, not a worse one.