Psychotic Experiences and Working Memory: A Population-Based Study Using Signal-Detection Analysis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153148
• Publication Date: 2016-04-27T13:46:40Z
• Authors: Rodolfo Rossi; Stanley Zammit; Katherine S. Button; Marcus R. Munafò; Glyn Lewis; Anthony S. David
• Keywords: n-back

Psychotic Experiences (PEs) during adolescence index increased risk for psychotic disorders and schizophrenia in adult life. Working memory (WM) deficits are a core feature of these disorders. Our objective was to examine the relationship between PEs WM general population sample young people case control study. 4744 individuals age 17–18 from Bristol surrounding areas (UK) were analyzed cross-sectional study nested within Avon Longitudinal Study Parents Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort The dependent variable PEs, assessed using semi-structured Psychosis-Like Symptom Interview (PLIKSi). independent performance on computerized numerical n-back working task. Signal-Detection Theory indices, including standardized hits rate, false alarms discriminability (d') response bias (c) 2-Back 3-Back tasks calculated. 3576 3527 had complete data respectively. Suspected/definite prevalence 7.9% (N = 374). Strongest evidence association seen 2-Back, (odds ratio (OR) 1.17 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.01, 1.35]) 3-back (OR 1.35 [1.18, 1.54]) with c 1.59 [1.09, 2.34]), lower d' 0.76 [0.65, 0.89]), 3-Back. Adjustment several potential confounders, IQ, drug exposure different psycho-social factors, subsequent multiple imputation missing did not materially alter results. is impaired population. False alarms, rather than poor accuracy, more closely related PEs. Such impairment consistent neuropsychological models psychosis focusing signal-to-noise discrimination, probabilistic reasoning reality monitoring as basis symptoms.