The Effect of Risperidone on Cognitive Functioning in a Sample of Asian Patients with Schizophrenia in Singapore

L Chua, SA Chong, E Pang, VPY Ng, YH Chan
Correspondence: Lyn Chua, lyn_chua@imh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of risperidone treatment on the cognitive functioning in a group of Asian patients with schizophrenia
Method Patients with DSM-IIIR schizophrenia were recruited from Woodbridge Hospital. Several domains of cognitive functions were assessed at baseline before washout, at 8 weeks and 6 months after initiation of treatment on risperidone. Clinical outcome was assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Results Significant improvements were found in verbal fluency and certain aspects of memory 8 weeks after risperidone treatment. There were significant improvements in executive and memory functioning after 6 months. Improvements were also noted in attention and perceptual/motor processes although these did not reach significant levels. Treatment on risperidone also resulted in significant reduction in the PANSS score.
Conclusion Our results are consistent with those found in other studies in which risperidone was shown to be effective in improving several aspects of cognitive functioning. There were corresponding effectiveness in treating positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Such improvements can have positive implications on vocational and social functioning.

Keywords: risperidone, cognitive functioning, schizophrenia, Asian
Singapore Med J 2001; 42(6): 243-246