BackgroundThe majority of memory impairment studies in schizophrenia are cohort
studies using laboratory-based tests, which make it difficult to estimate
the true extent and relevance of memory impairment in patients with
schizophrenia in the community.AimsTo examine the extent of memory impairment in community-based patients
with schizophrenia using a clinically relevant test.MethodAll patients with schizophrenia (n = 190) in one
catchment area were identified, of whom 133 were potentially eligible for
the study; 73 patients volunteered to take part. They were assessed using
the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT), the National Adult Reading
Test, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Health of the Nation
Outcome Scales and the Office for National Statistics Classification of
Occupation. Their performance on the memory test was compared with that
of matched controls (n=71).ResultsPatients as a group performed significantly worse (P
< 0.001) than controls on the RBMT. Using the RBMT normative scores,
81% of patients were found to have impaired memory compared with 28% of
controls.ConclusionsUsing a clinically relevant test, the majority of community-based
patients with schizophrenia may have memory impairment.