Memory Deficits in Schizophrenia Type Disorders Versus Schizophrenia with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine memory deficits, positive and negative symptoms, and obsessive-compulsive features among individuals with Schizophrenia and those with schizophrenia and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A total of 300 participants were included, with 150 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 150 with schizophrenia and OCD, selected using purposive sampling from mental health centers in Pune. Standardized tools including the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), and PGI Memory Scale (PGIMS) were administered. Results from one-way ANOVA indicated significant differences in memory, F (1, 298) = 11.96, p < .01, positive symptoms, F (1, 298) = 22.25, p < .001, obsessive thoughts, F (1, 298) = 37.40, p < .001, and compulsive behaviors, F (1, 298) = 26.18, p < .001. However, negative symptoms did not differ significantly, F (1, 298) = 1.89, p > .05. Findings suggest that comorbid OCD exacerbates memory impairment and increases symptom complexity in schizophrenia.