Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent validity of attention and memory subtests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) through their correlations with the subtests of the Computerized Neuropsychological Test (CNT).
Methods
Three subtests of the CANTAB and three subtests of the CNT assessing attention and memory functions were administered to 33 inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The subtests of the CANTAB include Rapid Visual information Processing (RVP), Spatial SPan (SSP), and Pattern Recognition Memory (PRM). This study investigated the differences of each subtest score between the two patient groups and the correlations between subtest scores of the CANTAB and CNT that were related to attention and memory functions.
Results
Significant difference in the two groups was found only in the Verbal Learning Test (VLT) of the CNT. In both groups, the PRM subtest of the CANTAB showed significant correlation with the VST and the VLT of the CNT. Also, the SSP subtest of the CANTAB and the VST of the CNT showed significant positive correlation. In addition, the RVP subtest of the CANTAB and the visual continuous performance test of the CNT, which measure the sustained attention in common, showed significant correlation.
Conclusion
The concurrent validity of the attention and memory subtests of the CANTAB for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder was verified. Results of this study suggest that the CANTAB would be widely used for assessment of neuro-cognitive impairments of patients with psychiatric disorders.
References
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