The FOCIS international survey on psychiatrists' opinions on cognition in schizophrenia

Background: The goal of this project was to develop an interview to evaluate psychiatrists' views on the nature of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, its importance as a potential treatment target, and its relative importance as a treatment target across different phases of schizophrenia. Materials and methods: A survey (available in paper or on-line) consisting of 27 questions, was developed by the Focus on Cognition in Schizophrenia (FOCIS) group, and distributed in a single wave mailing to 63,295 psychiatrists in 21 countries worldwide. Results: The overall response rate was 4.7% (n=2975). The surveyed psychiatrists perceived cognition as a high treatment priority in stabilized schizophrenia patients, but less so for first episode or acute schizophrenia patients. The potential of atypical antipsychotics to improve cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia was identified by 81% of the respondent psychiatrists. Conclusions: Cognitive deficits in people with schizophrenia are seen by clinical psychiatrists as relevant to treatment and rehabilitation plans. They were, however, regarded as a higher treatment priority in stabilized chronic rather than in first episode patients. The results suggest clinical psychiatrists need additional education regarding the nature of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia and its importance for psychosocial rehabilitation and community re-entry.