Behavioral Sciences (Apr 2013)

Facilitation of Relational Learning in Schizophrenia

  • Laura M. Rowland,
  • Elena A. Spieker,
  • Jacqueline A. Griego,
  • Robert S. Astur,
  • Henry H. Holcomb

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs3020206
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3, no. 2
pp. 206 – 216

Abstract

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Abnormal hippocampal function likely contributes to relational learning deficits observed in schizophrenia. It is unknown whether these deficits can be attenuated with a training intervention. The purpose of this project was to determine if training could facilitate relational learning of the transverse patterning task in schizophrenia. Healthy and schizophrenia subjects completed a version of transverse patterning that incorporated training. The majority of subjects with schizophrenia successfully learned transverse patterning when provided with training. A subgroup (approximately 25%) of schizophrenia subjects showed no tendency to learn with training. These results were replicated in a second study with a separate cohort and different stimuli. This study illustrates that relational learning of the transverse patterning can be facilitated in schizophrenia with training.

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