Correlation study on sensory gating P50 and Wisconsin card sorting test in schizophrenics with violent behaviors

Abstract

To analyze the variations of sensory gating and executive functions in schizophrenics with violent behaviors, and the relationship between sensory gating and executive functions. Thirty-five schizophrenics with violent behaviors (Group V) and 32 healthy control persons (Group C) were recorded by P50 with EGI 256 high density EEG. They were also examined by Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST) and followed up for 3 months. The relationship of sensory gating P50 and WCST was evaluated by Person's analysis. (1) Compared with Group C, Group V showed a higher amplitude of S2-P50 [baseline: (1.8 ± 1.1) vs (0.9 ± 0.6) µV; 3-month treatment: (1.9 ± 1.6) µV]. There was a higher S2/S1 ratio, a lower S1-S2 difference and 100 × (1-S2/S1) at baseline and after 3 months (P < 0.05) [baseline: S2/S1, S1-S2 and 100 × (1-S2/S1) in both groups respectively [(89 ± 49) vs (42 ± 25), (0.7 ± 2.5) vs (1.4 ± 1.2), (11 ± 49) vs (58 ± 25); 3 months treatment: (170 ± 277, -0.0 ± 1.8, -70 ± 277)]; (2) At baseline and after a 3-month treatment, two groups had no difference in learning [baseline (t = -0.585, P = 0.561), 3 months (t = -0.021, P = 0.983)] (P > 0.05) and there were significant differences in other indices (P < 0.05); (3) No relationship was found between S2/S1 ratio, S1-S2 and WCST in two groups at baseline and after a 3-month treatment by Person's analysis. The schizophrenics with violent behaviors have sensory gating deficits and abnormal executive functions before and after treatment. Sensory gating and executive functions may reflect different brain functions in schizophrenics.