Disorganisation, thought disorder and socio-cognitive functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background Poor social cognition is prevalent in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Some authors argue that these effects are symptom-specific and that socio-cognitive difficulties (e.g. theory of mind) are strongly associated with thought disorder and symptoms of disorganisation.Aims The current review tests the strength of this association.Method We meta-analysed studies published between 1980 and 2016 that tested the association between social cognition and these symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Results Our search (PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science) identified 123 studies (N = 9107). Overall effect size as r =-0.313, indicating a moderate association between symptoms and social cognition. Subanalyses yielded a moderate association between symptoms and theory of mind (r =-0.349) and emotion recognition (r =-0.334), but smaller effect sizes for social perception (r =-0.188), emotion regulation (r =-0.169) and attributional biases (r =-0.143).Conclusions The association is interpreted within models of communication that highlight the importance of mentalisation and processing of partner-specific cues in conversational alignment and grounding.Declaration of interests None.