Schizophrenia and Language Processing
Author Information
Author(s): Angrilli Alessandro, Spironelli Chiara, Elbert Thomas, Crow Timothy J., Marano Gianfranco, Stegagno Luciano
Primary Institution: Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether individuals with schizophrenia exhibit a failure of left hemispheric dominance for the phonological component of language.
Conclusion
The study found that individuals with schizophrenia show a specific deficit in left hemispheric dominance during phonological processing, which may explain certain symptoms like auditory hallucinations.
Supporting Evidence
- Schizophrenic patients were slower to respond than healthy controls.
- Patients made more errors than controls in language tasks.
- Phonological tasks showed significant left lateralization in controls but not in patients.
Takeaway
People with schizophrenia have trouble using the left side of their brain for language, which can make them hear voices that aren't there.
Methodology
The study involved 12 schizophrenic patients and 12 matched healthy controls who participated in an event-related potential experiment while performing language tasks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of patients with minimal neuroleptic medication.
Limitations
The study's findings may be limited by the small sample size and the specific demographic characteristics of the participants.
Participant Demographics
12 schizophrenic patients (6 women, mean age 37.9) and 12 matched healthy controls (6 women, mean age 35.8).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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