Executive Functions in Delusion-prone Individuals – Preliminary Studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S266-S266
Author(s):  
A. Tereszko ◽  
W. Janeczko ◽  
J. Słowik ◽  
K. Brzezicka ◽  
K. Prochwicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Perseverative Errors ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Executive Dysfunctions

IntroductionExecutive dysfunctions in psychotic disorders, mainly schizophrenia are well-known phenomenon, however the information about executive functioning in subclinical psychotic states are still scarce. The rationale for focusing on the delusion-proneness (delusion-like states) is suggested role of executive dysfunction in the process of developing delusions.AimsOur aim is to assess the relationship between delusion-proneness and executive functions.ObjectivesWe would like to assess two cognitive functions: shifting and inhibition and updating, depending on the severity of delusion-like symptoms. We expect that higher delusion-proneness is associated with more pronounced executive dysfunctions, as it is observed in clinical population with existing delusions.MethodsIn order to assess delusion-proneness, we used Polish version of Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI). To evaluate shifting and inhibition, two test were conducted–Berg's Card Sorting Task (BCST) and Stroop task respectively. Correlation analysis were performed.ResultsSixty-four participants (41 women and 23 men) were recruited in this study. Mean age was 28.8, SD = 10.37. Statistical analysis revealed significant negative correlation of PDI distress subscale and BCST non-perseverative errors. The overall score, as well as all PDI subscales correlated negatively also with the Stroop task's total number of errors and positively with the accuracy in incongruent variant.ConclusionsContrary to our expectation, results have shown that delusion-proneness is associated with better results in executive functions test, especially in terms of accuracy. These results suggest that executive functions may play a role in the development and maintenance of delusional ideation, however, its relationship may be a bit more complex.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Relationship between executive functions and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S368-S369 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Hernández Huerta ◽  
C. Parro Torres ◽  
A. Madoz Gúrpide ◽  
E. Ochoa Mangado ◽  
M.J. Pérez Elias
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Hospital Pharmacy ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Poor Adherence ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perseverative Errors ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionHIV-related damage of the central nervous system is manifested in varying severity of neurocognitive disturbances. Research on measures of executive functioning has confirmed that HIV infection is associated with progressive difficulties in these abilities. Moreover, several studies in recent years have shown that an impaired cognitive function confers a higher risk of poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy.Objectives/AimsThe aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between executive functions and ART compliance.MethodsWe designed a cross-sectional case-control survey. Cases were defined as HIV-infected patients who missing at least 10% intakes in the last year (reported by hospital pharmacy) and self-reported non-adherence by Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ). Controls were defined as HIV-infected patients who accomplishing at least last 95% intakes in the last year (reported by hospital pharmacy), and self-reported adherence by SMAQ. Patients with adherences between 90–95% were not included. Executive functions were evaluated with Wisconsin Sorting Card Test. Linear regression was employed as statistical analysis. Results were adjusted for follow-up years. Wisconsin score was already adjusted for gender, age and education level when data were corrected.ResultsOur sample was compound by 63 patients: 37 controls and 26 cases. A statistical signification (P < 0.05) was found for total correct, total errors, perseverative responses, perseverative errors, conceptual level responses and trials to complete first category score between adherence and non-adherence treatment patients.ConclusionsIn our sample worse executive function score, measured by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, was linked to poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment in HIV patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals A-173 Clinical Comparisons of Performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task: Preliminary Findings for an Updated Adult Normative Data

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 967-967
Author(s):  
Eversole K ◽  
Block C K ◽  
Hewitt K C ◽  
Lee G ◽  
Dawson E ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Normative Data ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Perseverative Errors ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting

Abstract Objective The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a widely used neuropsychological measure of executive functioning. The purpose of this study is to present clinical comparisons of performance on the WCST among a group of adult patients referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation. Method Over two thousand and four hundred patients completed the WCST as part of a comprehensive test battery at an outpatient neuropsychology clinic (Mean age: 55.21 ± 15.39 years; Mean Education: 14.93 ± 2.76 years; 50.9% Female; and 90.2% White). Patients in the sample were referred for evaluations based on the following group classification: General Cognitive Concerns (n = 931); Dementia and Mild Cognitive Disorders (n = 182); Parkinson’s disease and other Movement Disorders (n = 608); Traumatic Brain Injuries/Concussion (n = 161); Primary Brain Tumors (n = 162); among others. Results Descriptive characteristics of raw scores for Total Errors, Perseverative Responses, Perseverative Errors, Nonperseverative Errors, Conceptual Level Responses, and Number of Categories Completed are presented based on clinical population. Group means and standard deviations for scores are presented. The sample are stratified into groups based on age, gender, and education. Base rate comparisons are presented. Conclusions Preliminary findings will contribute to efforts for an updated and demographically corrected normative data for the WCST. Implications are discussed.

Dopaminergic Genes Polymorphisms and Prefrontal Cortex Efficiency Among Obese People - Whether Gender is a Differentiating Factor?

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 405-418
Author(s):  
Maciej Bieliński ◽  
Natalia Lesiewska ◽  
Roman Junik ◽  
Anna Kamińska ◽  
Andrzej Tretyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Variable Number ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Perseverative Errors ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting ◽  
Sorting Test

Background:Obesity is a chronic condition associated with poorer cognitive functioning. Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a useful tool for evaluating executive functions. In this study, we assessed the association between dopaminergic gene polymorphisms: DAT1 (SLC6A3), COMTVal158Met, DRD4 (48-bp variable number of tandem repeats - VNTR) and WCST parameters to investigate the functions of the frontal lobes in obese individuals.Objective:To find the significant correlations between polymorphisms of DAT1, COMTVal158Met, DRD4 and executive functions in obese subjects.Methods:The analysis of the frequency of individual alleles was performed in 248 obese patients (179 women, 69 men). Evaluation of the prefrontal cortex function (operating memory and executive functions) was measured with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Separate analyzes were performed in age subgroups to determine different activities and regulation of genes in younger and older participants.Results:Scores of WCST parameters were different in the subgroups of women and men and in the age subgroups. Regarding the COMT gene, patients with A/A and G/A polymorphisms showed significantly better WCST results in WCST_P, WCST_CC and WCST_1st. Regarding DAT1 men with L/L and L/S made less non-perseverative errors, which was statistically significant. In DRD4, significantly better WCST_1st results were found only in older women with S allele.Conclusion:Obtained results indicate the involvement of dopaminergic transmission in the regulation of prefrontal cortex function. Data analysis indicates that prefrontal cortex function may ensue, from different elements such as genetic factors, metabolic aspects of obesity, and hormonal activity (estrogen).

scholarly journals A Simple and Effective Way to Study Executive Functions by Using 360° Videos

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Borgnis ◽  
Francesca Baglio ◽  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Federica Rossetto ◽  
Giuseppe Riva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Planning Problem ◽  
Eye Tracker ◽  
Verbal Responses ◽  
Executive Dysfunctions

Executive dysfunctions constitute a significant public health problem due to their high impact on everyday life and personal independence. Therefore, the identification of early strategies to assess and rehabilitate these impairments appears to be a priority. The ecological limitations of traditional neuropsychological tests and the numerous difficulties in administering tests in real-life scenarios have led to the increasing use of virtual reality (VR) and 360° environment-based tools for assessing executive functions (EFs) in real life. This perspective aims at proposing the development and implementation of Executive-functions Innovative Tool 360° (EXIT 360°), an innovative, enjoyable, and ecologically valid tool for a multidimensional and multicomponent evaluation of executive dysfunctions. EXIT 360° allows a complete and integrated executive functioning assessment through an original task for EFs delivered via a mobile-powered VR headset combined with eye tracker (ET) and electroencephalograms (EEG). Our tool is born as a 360°-based instrument, easily accessible and clinically usable, that will radically transform clinicians’ and patient’s assessment experience. In EXIT 360°, patients are engaged in a “game for health,” where they must perform everyday subtasks in 360° daily life environments. In this way, the clinicians can obtain quickly more ecologically valid information about several aspects of EFs (e.g., planning, problem-solving). Moreover, the multimodal approach allows completing the assessment of EFs by integrating verbal responses, reaction times, and physiological data (eye movements and brain activation). Overall, EXIT 360° will allow obtaining simultaneously and in real time more information about executive dysfunction and its impact in real life, allowing clinicians to tailor the rehabilitation to the subject’s needs.

scholarly journals Differences in Executive Function Among Patients With Schizophrenia, Their Unaffected First-Degree Relatives, and Healthy Participants

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 731-737
Author(s):  
Yuzuru Kataoka ◽  
Takamitsu Shimada ◽  
Yoko Koide ◽  
Hiroaki Okubo ◽  
Takashi Uehara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Intermediate Phenotype ◽  
Clinical Variable ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
First Degree Relatives ◽  
Duration Of Illness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perseverative Errors

Abstract Background Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) display impaired executive functions compared with healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, unaffected first-degree relatives (FRs) of patients with SCZ independently perform worse executive functions than do HCs. However, few studies have investigated the differences in executive functions assessed among patients with SCZ, FRs, and HCs, and the findings are inconsistent. Methods We investigated diagnostic differences in executive functions, namely (1) numbers of categories achieved (CA), (2) total errors (TE), and (3) percentage of perseverative errors of Nelson types (%PEN), using the Wisconsin card sorting test among patients with SCZ (n = 116), unaffected FRs (n = 62), and HCs (n = 146) at a single institute. Correlations between these executive functions and clinical variables were investigated. Results Significant differences existed in all executive functions among diagnostic groups (CA, F2,319 = 15.5, P = 3.71 × 10–7; TE, F2,319 = 16.2, P = 2.06 × 10–7; and %PEN, F2,319 = 21.3, P = 2.15 × 10–9). Patients with SCZ had fewer CA and more TE and %PEN than those of HCs (CA, Cohen’s d = −0.70, P = 5.49 × 10–8; TE, d = 0.70, P = 5.62 × 10–8; and %PEN, d = 0.82, P = 2.85 × 10−10) and FRs (TE, d = 0.46, P = 3.73 × 10–3 and %PEN, d = 0.38, P = .017). Of the 3 executive functions, CA and %PEN of FRs were intermediately impaired between patients with SCZ and HCs (CA, d = −0.41, P = .011 and %PEN, d = 0.41, P = .012). In contrast, no significant difference in TE existed between FRs and HCs (d = 0.22, P = .18). Although CA and TE were affected by the duration of illness (P &lt; .017), %PEN was not affected by any clinical variable in patients with SCZ (P &gt; .017). Conclusions Executive function, particularly %PEN, could be a useful intermediate phenotype for understanding the genetic mechanisms implicated in SCZ pathophysiology.

scholarly journals EXecutive-Functions Innovative Tool (EXIT 360°): A Usability and User Experience Study of an Original 360°-Based Assessment Instrument

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 5867
Author(s):  
Francesca Borgnis ◽  
Francesca Baglio ◽  
Elisa Pedroli ◽  
Federica Rossetto ◽  
Sara Isernia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Innovative Tool

Over the last few decades, several studies have shown the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of VR-based instruments in the early evaluation of executive dysfunction (ED) in psychiatric and neurologic conditions. Due to the negative impact of ED in everyday functioning, identifying innovative strategies for evaluating ED allows clinicians to detect executive impairment early and minimize its effects. This work aimed to test the usability and user experience (UX) of EXecutive-functions Innovative Tool 360° (EXIT 360°), a 360°-based tool for assessing ED. Seventy-six healthy subjects underwent an evaluation that involved (1) usability assessment using System Usability Scale and (2) evaluation of UX using the ICT-Sense of Presence and UX Questionnaire. Results showed a satisfactory level of usability (mean = 75.9 ± 12.8), with good scores for usability and learnability. As regards UX, EXIT 360° showed an absence of negative effects (mean = 1.79 ± 0.95) and high scores in ecological validity (mean = 4.32 ± 0.54) and engagement (mean = 3.76 ± 0.56). Moreover, it obtained good scores in efficiency (mean = 1.84 ± 0.84), originality (mean = 2.49 ± 0.71), and attractiveness (mean = 1.93 ± 0.98). Interestingly, demographic characteristics and technological expertise had no impact on the performance (p > 0.05). Overall, EXIT 360° appeared to be a usable, learn-to-use, engaging, and creative tool with irrelevant negative effects. Further studies will be conducted to evaluate these aspects in the clinical population.

scholarly journals An examination of perseverative errors and cognitive flexibility in autism

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0223160
Author(s):  
Oriane Landry ◽  
Peter Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Card Sorting Task ◽  
Explicit Condition ◽  
Perseverative Errors ◽  
Implicit Condition

Perseveration is a well-replicated finding in autism. The aim of this study was to examine how the context of the task influences performance with respect to this phenomenon. We randomly assigned 137 children aged 6–12 with and without autism to complete a modified card-sorting task under one of two conditions: Children were either told the sorting rules on each trial (Explicit), or were given feedback to formulate the rules themselves (Implicit). While performance was enhanced on the Explicit condition for participants without autism, the participants with autism were disadvantaged by this manipulation. In contrast, there were few differences in performance between groups on the Implicit condition. Exploratory analyses were used to examine this unexpected result; increased autism symptomology was associated with poorer performance.

From ADHD to psychosis… executive functions and time

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S353-S353
Author(s):  
C.D.M. Isabel
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Stressful Life Event ◽  
Auditory Hallucination ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Memory Work ◽  
First Psychotic Episode ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionCognitive impairment is present from the early stages of psychotic disorders. Alterations are found mainly in areas of attention, memory work and executive functions. During adolescence, ADHD patients often suffer from secondary disorders to lack of efficient procurement processes information by the poor development of executive functions.ObjectiveEvaluation of a patient whose diagnosis of ADD evolve to acute psychotic episode.MethodReview by clinical and psychometric tests developments in executive functions disorders.ResultsTwelve years old patient who comes to the hospital since 2012, was initially diagnosed with literacy difficulties and low academic performance, after MFF-20 speaks of Learning Disabilities. It presents lack of motivation, apathy, difficulty in scheduling and organization and adherence to schedules, so they diagnosed ADD. It is given treatment with methylphenidate and atomoxetine, presenting erratic path.After a year without treatment and the presence of a major stressful life event, at 17, has a first episode, consisting in mutiste attitude, phenomena of self-referenciality, experiences of control, enforcement and dissemination of ideas and auditory hallucination imperative type.ConclusionsThe presence of emocional dysregulation and alterations in the executive functions atribuyen to ADD, in this case, were premorbid symtomatology of a first psychotic episode. The presence of positive symptoms allows to clarify the diagnosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Executive Functions and Social Cognition in Juveniles Who Have Sexually Offended

Sexual Abuse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian C. Joyal ◽  
Monique Tardif ◽  
Jo-Annie Spearson-Goulet
Keyword(s):  
Sex Offenders ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Iowa Gambling Task ◽  
Social Problem Solving ◽  
Sorting Task ◽  
Child Victims ◽  
Unexpected Finding ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Adult Sex Offenders ◽  
Sexually Offended

Although neuropsychological assessments provide valuable information for those working in forensic mental health, few neuropsychological studies concern persons who sexually offend, particularly juveniles who have sexually offended (JSO). It has been suggested that, contrary to current theories, executive function in JSO, as a group, is no more impaired than it is in juvenile delinquents in general. However, JSO with child victims seem to be more impulsive than JSO whose victims are peers or adults. To verify this potentially important (and unexpected) finding, a sample of adolescent males ( N = 134; 15.6 ± 1.5 years old) that included JSO, general delinquents, and underprivileged nondelinquents was assessed using a battery of behavioral and psychological tests that focus on impulsivity. No difference was found between groups regarding higher order executive functions as measured with the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task but JSO with child victims were found to be the most impulsive subgroup as evidenced with the Iowa Gambling Task, the Stop-Signal Reaction Task, and the Impulsive scale of the Social Problem Solving Inventory. They also had the highest number of prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication. These results, which contradict hypotheses derived from assessment of adult sex offenders, illustrate an important difference between the cognitive profiles of adult and juvenile males who sexually offended. They also confirm that JSO whose victims are children appear to be more impulsive.

Executive Function Deficits in Patients after Cerebellar Neurosurgery

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Mak ◽  
Ernest Tyburski ◽  
Łukasz Madany ◽  
Andrzej Sokołowski ◽  
Agnieszka Samochowiec
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Regulatory Processes ◽  
Perseverative Errors

AbstractThe cerebellum has long been perceived as a structure responsible for the human motor function. According to the contemporary approach, however, it plays a significant role in complex behavior regulatory processes. The aim of this study was to describe executive functions in patients after cerebellar surgery. The study involved 30 patients with cerebellar pathology. The control group comprised 30 neurologically and mentally healthy individuals, matched for sex, age, and number of years of education. Executive functions were measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), and working memory by the Digit Span. Compared to healthy controls, patients made more Errors and Perseverative errors in the WCST, gave more Perseverative responses, and had a lower Number of categories completed. The patients exhibited higher response times in all three parts of the SCWT and TMT A and B. No significant differences between the two groups were reported in their performance of the SCWT and TMT with regard to the measures of absolute or relative interference. The patients had lower score on the backward Digit Span. Patients with cerebellar pathology may exhibit some impairment within problem solving and working memory. Their worse performance on the SCWT and TMT could, in turn, stem from their poor motor–somatosensory control, and not necessarily executive deficits. Our results thus support the hypothesis of the cerebellum’s mediating role in the regulation of the activity of the superordinate cognitive control network in the brain. (JINS, 2016, 22, 47–57)

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document