ObjectiveWe investigated the neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenic patients with and without obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).MethodsWe grouped 27 patients as either obsessive-compulsive or non-obsessive-compulsive based on the presence of OCD. The two groups completed the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and Hamilton Depression Scale. The intelligence quotient (IQ) was tested using the Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The memory quotient (MQ) was tested using the Korean-Auditory Verbal Learning and Korean-Complex Figure Test. The executive intelligence quotient (EIQ) was determined using the Kims executive intelligence test (EXIT).ResultsTen of the 27 patients had OCD. The compulsion score of Y-BOCS was positively correlated with positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and the total scores of PANSS. The OCD-schizophrenia patients had higher IQs. No difference was found in MQ. Although the EIQ did not differ between the two groups, the OCD-schizophrenia patients performed better at the Stroop-interference and verbal fluency tests, which was highly dependent on executive function.ConclusionOur findings suggest that OCD may have a protective effect on some cognitive function, at least in relatively early stage of illness. Moreover, based on clinical, neurocognitive features, schizophrenia with OCD could be considered as a distinct subtype of schizophrenia.

Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD) is a rare autosomal-recessive hereditary disorder characterized by the early onset of progressive movement alterations, including dystonia, rigidity, choreoathetosis, and mental deterioration. HSD is also associated with a variety of psychiatric symptoms, primarily depression and mental deterioration. However, psychosis has rarely been reported as a major symptom of HSD. We report two siblings who presented psychiatric symptoms as major clinical presentations, accompanied by ataxic and spastic gait, dysarthria, and typical neuroimaging findings of HSD. A 14-year-old girl presented complex motor tics, stereotypic behavior and anxiety symptoms. Her older brother, a 16-year-old boy, presented prominent auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusions and social withdrawal symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms were improved after atypical antipsychotic treatment. HSD is a rare disease but should be carefully considered in the diagnosis of patients with both motor disorder and various psychiatric symptoms.

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