LAUSR

Abstract Background Deficits in cognitive function are often observed in schizophrenia patients and cause functional disability affecting daily life. The performance-based MATRICS consensus cognitive battery (MCCB) is used to measure the cognitive function of schizophrenia patients. In some situations, interview-based measures such as the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS) may be appropriate. In this study, we analyzed the correlation between the entire MCCB domain and each item of the SCoRS to identify the domains and items most associated to each other when each measure is used. Methods Fifty-six clinically stable patients were recruited from day hospitals and outpatient wards. To evaluate cognitive function, we used the MCCB performance-based measure and the SCoRS interview-based measure. Measurements were taken at baseline, and two and three months later. Spearman correlation was computed between each item of the SCoRS Interviewer’s Rating and each MCCB score. Results The correlation between the MCCB overall T score and the SCoRS global score was the strongest (r = - 0.52), while that between the SCoRS total score and the MCCB speed of processing score was r = -0.48. The SCoRS global score showed statistically significant correlation with all seven MCCB domains and the overall T score. Similar results were observed for SCoRS item 12. Discussion Individual items and total scores of MCCB and SCoRS showed variable degrees of association. If these results are confirmed in larger study samples, a simple item selection to evaluate cognitive function according to the patient’s condition will be possible in a clinical setting.