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Objective: While many individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia report childhood trauma, little is known about the relationship between childhood abuse and intelligence in this population. Authors hypothesized the abused individuals would show lower verbal IQ. Methods: This preliminary study compared the intelligence profile between 46 adults experiencing first-episode schizophrenic psychosis with and without a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse. Clinical assessment included the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS) and an interview assessing history of sexual and repeated physical abuse before age 16. Results: The mean verbal IQ score of patients with a history of childhood abuse (n=21) was significantly lower than that of patients without a history of childhood abuse (n=25; p < .05). However, the mean number of years of education was also significantly lower in those with a history of childhood abuse (p < .001). In fact, an analysis of covariance controlling for education revealed no group differences in intelligence. Conclusions: Childhood trauma may contribute to low verbal intelligence of firstonset patients diagnosed with schizophrenia by leading to poor educational attainment. Assessment and management of first-onset patients with childhood abuse need to be tailored for their intellectual level.

ObjectiveThe goal of the present study was to evaluate demographic and clinical factors that affect the intention to participate in commonly-conducted research in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThirty-four outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were enrolled in this study. They were asked whether they would have any intention to participate in four imaginary studies: a simple questionnaire, a genetic study, a study of complex tasks and a risky study. We analyzed the differences in general psychopathology, insight and demographic characteristics of the participants according to their responses (acceptance or refusal) to the four proposed studies.ResultsYounger and better-educated patients tended to decline participation in a risky study. Patients with a longer duration of regular psychiatric follow-ups tended to willingly participate in the simple questionnaire. There were no overall statistical differences in general psychopathology and insight between patients who agreed or declined to participate in studies.ConclusionAge and education level may be factors that influence decisions to participate in schizophrenia studies. Further research is needed to confirm and expand on the current findings.