Dysexecutive syndrome and social adjustment in schizophrenia.

Objective: This paper reports on a study designed to (i) assess levels of executive functions among patients suffering from schizophrenia; (ii) investigate associations between measures of executive functions and psychosocial adjustment; and (iii) examine the influence of psychopathology on the relationship between executive functions and psychosocial adjustment. Clear knowledge of executive functions and of their impact on social adjustment in patients with schizophrenia may play a decisive role in preparing and structuring appropriate outpatient care.Method: An extensive battery constituted of several tests developed for the assessment of executive functions was used in 38 inpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia. Psychosocial adjustment was assessed with a set of commonly used scales.Results: Performance on measures of executive functions was heterogeneous among the patient population, with a subgroup performing within normal scores. A similar pattern was found on measures of psychosocial ad...