DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i02.036

Pages: 614-617

Introduction: The lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia in first degree relatives (FDRs) of schizophrenia is very high compared to general population. Executive functions are proposed as an important endophenotype in schizophrenia when it is compared in patients and first degree relatives. So, assessment and comparison of executive function among first degree relatives and healthy controls could provide important information regarding executive function as a marker for schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: 20 unaffected FDRs of Schizophrenia patients and 20 normal controls were included in the study by purposive sampling. Cross sectional executive function (EF) assessment was done by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Statistical analysis was done to identify various factors. Results: Results show deficit in executive function in FDRs of schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. FDRs of Schizophrenia performed poorly on near half of the WCST domains out of 16 domains of WCST. Percentage preservative error and percentage non preservative error was most significant among all domains. Conclusion: WCST domains (which are commonly used for assessment of executive function) deficits are having heritable risk with endophenotypic significance.