Sex differences in association between cognitive impairment and clinical correlates in Chinese patients with first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness with significant sex differences. Cognitive impairment common in patients schizophrenia, even remission. This study was designed to examine the differences relationship between cognitive and clinical correlations first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia. Methods 93 FEDN (male/female = 45/48) 160 controls 74/86) were enrolled compare functions measured by MATRICS Consensus Battery (MCCB). Positive Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Hamilton Depression (HAMD) used evaluate patients' symptoms. We compared sociodemographic characteristics measures of different genders, as well group-by-sex interactions. Results Our results showed that male had significantly lower scores for symbol coding, digital sequence, verbal learning than female patients, while healthy similar In multiple linear regression analysis confirmed PANSS negative symptoms general psychopathology scores, HAMD total score, education level independent contributors MCCB score. only an contributor Conclusions These findings revealed impairments FEDN, which will be worthy follow-up schizophrenia future.