Relationships between changes in symptom ratings, neuropsychological test performance and quality of life in schizophrenic patients treated with clozapine

This study examined the correlations between reduction in symptoms, changes in neuropsychological test performance and improved quality of life in 19 schizophrenic outpatients treated with clozapine. Reduction in both negative symptoms and general psychopathology was associated with a better quality of life. Some improvement in neuropsychological test performance was found, with a variable pattern of association with change in psychopathology. Improved verbal fluency was associated with reduction in negative symptoms, while improved verbal concept formation was associated with reduction in positive symptoms. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.