Comparison of Sensory and Semantic Information Processing in Patients with Schizophrenia, Major Depression and Normal Individuals

The purpose of this study was to compare sensory and semantic information processing in three groups of patient with Schizophrenia and Major Depression and Normal Individuals. The method of present study was Causal-Comparative. Statistical Society of this research was comprised of whole patient with Schizophrenia and Major Depression who were bedridden at Mental Hospitals of Ardabil city. 30 people of each Schizophrenia and Major Depression group were selected randomly along with 30 people of Normal Individuals as experimental group. After psychiatric diagnosis, three groups were tested by adult sensory profile and Azgood deferential test. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and Scheffe test. The results showed that there is significant difference between three groups in low registration, sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding but no significant differences between groups in sensation seeking. In relation to semantic processing, there is significant difference between three groups in appraisal, potency and activity components but nothing in danger component. In comparison with normal group, patient with schizophrenia and major depression disorders registered lower sensory information and try to avoid them. These patients also appraised the information in a negative way and process them with great potency and activity.