Original scientific paper

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE IOWA GAMBLING TASK AND COMMUNITY FUNCTIONING IN PEOPLE WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Paolo Stratta ; Department of Mental Health, ASL 1, L’Aquila, Italy; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
Matteo Cella ; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
Gabriella Di Emidio ; Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
Alberto Collazzoni ; Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
Alessandro Rossi ; Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy

Abstract

Background: Decision making (DM) consists of a number of complex processes involving higher-order cognitive functions
involved in outcome evaluation. Problems in DM may have significant negative repercussions on community functioning. We
hypothesise in individuals with schizophrenia difficulties in community functioning will be associated with DM problems.
Subjects and methods: DM performance was assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in 30 individuals with schizophrenia
and 32 healthy controls. Participants’ choices on the IGT were grouped as: Ambiguous Decisions, where the outcome is uncertain
and cannot be predicted (i.e. IGT initial phase), and Risky Decisions, where the outcome can be predicted with an error margin (i.e.
IGT final phase). People with schizophrenia were also assessed with measures of community functioning and symptoms.
Results: Controls outperformed individuals with schizophrenia in risky decisions. In patients, levels of community functioning
positively correlated with DM performance. Symptomatology was not associated with DM proficiency or functioning.
Conclusions: DM impairment may represent an important contributor to poor functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia.
Interventions targeting decision making and higher order cognitive problems in people with schizophrenia may have a greater
impact on functional difficulties.

Keywords

decision making – schizophrenia - Iowa Gambling Task - community functioning

Hrčak ID:

162539

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/162539

Publication date:

15.12.2015.

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