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• Deficits of executive functioning - impaired ability to interpret information to make decisions, impairment of abstract thinking and problem solving
• Impaired working memory
• Impaired concentration
• Impaired perception of environment and scanning skills of surroundings
• Tendency not to learn from past mistakes
• Problems with language skills
• May be unable to suppress inappropriate responses

The level of cognitive dysfunction is the single best predictor of the long-term outcome for the patient. Increased severity cognitive impairment results in greater impact on quality of life and on functional outcome in all areas, including employment, independent living, and social relationships. The level of cognitive abilities after onset of schizophrenia declines when compared to those pre-onset, but they remain stable thereafter. Cognitive dysfunction appears to be unaffected even when the patient is in remission from other symptoms. Cognitive impairment is also a predictor for:

• Poor treatment compliance
• Increased probability for relapse in patients following the first psychotic episode.