The relationship between visuospatial functions and executive functions of female Schizophrenia patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital

Defective executive functions impair behavioral and emotional control in schizophrenia patients, and identification of its correlates can help design treatment protocols.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between visuospatial functions and executive functions of female patients with schizophrenia admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

In this descriptive correlational study, the statistical population consisted of female patients with schizophrenia admitted to Najaf-Abad Modarres Psychiatric Hospital from September 23, to December 21, 2019, to receive medical treatment. To conduct this study, 50 individuals were selected using the purposive sampling technique based on inclusion criteria. The subjects were subjected to mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and clock drawing test (CDT). Data were analyzed using SPSS-24 by Pearson correlation and stepwise regression methods.

Results indicated significant positive relationships between visuospatial functions in the first (r=0.414, p<0.01) and second (r=0.552, p<0.01) stages with executive functions of patients in the CDT. Among predictor variables, the visuospatial function in the second stage (beta coefficient=0.524) was a significant predictor of executive functions in schizophrenia patients (p<0.05).

It can be concluded that executive functions in patients with schizophrenia can be improved by providing cognitive rehabilitation interventions and timely and appropriate training to enhance their visuospatial function.