Neurocognitive differences between inpatients and outpatients with symptomatically nonremitted schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine whether neurocognition in individuals with nonremitted schizophrenia differed between inpatients and outpatients.

DESIGN AND METHODS: We recruited 59 inpatients and 41 patients with nonremitted schizophrenia (assessed with the Andreason criteria), and neurocognitive functions were compared between both, controlling for demographics, psychiatric symptoms.

FINDINGS: Outpatients with nonremitted schizophrenia performed better on tests of processing speed, visual attention, and working memory than did inpatients with nonremitted.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To facilitate discharge for nonremitted inpatients, nursing could focus on processing speed, e.g., arranging the environment such that patients do not need quick responses.