Basic symptoms and cognitive dynamic disorders in schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Using a new scientific paradigm, chaotic-deterministic dynamics, our research group developed a new cognitive instrument which is administered by means of a computen the Test of Random Rhythm Generation (ARG). Theoretical background and preliminary results in two young male, defectual schizophrenic patients (paranoid type) are here presented. Basic symptoms were explored by means of the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire of FBF (Frankfurter Beschwerde-Fragebogen) and the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms of Gross et al. Possible relationships between cerebral complexity and basic symptoms are discussed. It is concluded that the ARG is a valuable technique to measure the patient's cognitive potential as well as his complexity level (or cerebral chaotic dynamic complexity). Finally, it is hypothesized that defectual psychotic patients genérate more rigid and rhythmic series than control groups. Further work must be done in this new research field.