Deficits in Information Processing

Cognitive theories of schizophrenia focus on the deficits in information processing that contribute to the manifestation of the disorder

Attention and Memory Organization

Attention-Deficit Hypothesis

A compromised attention system in schizophrenia may lead to an overload of information and the emergence of positive symptoms

Memory Organization Dysfunction

Impaired memory organization in schizophrenia can contribute to disorganized speech and behavior

Perception Disturbances

Cognitive theories suggest that perception disturbances play a significant role in the manifestation of schizophrenia

Metarepresentation Dysfunction

Impairments in metarepresentation, the ability to understand one's own and others' mental states, can lead to delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia

Central Control Dysfunction

Difficulties in regulating actions and thoughts, known as central control dysfunction, can contribute to impulsive behavior and disorganized speech and behavior in schizophrenia

Attentional Disturbances

Frith's model suggests that compromised attention systems in schizophrenia can lead to an overload of information and the emergence of positive symptoms

Misinterpretation of Social Cues

Individuals with schizophrenia may misinterpret social cues due to difficulties in processing and integrating various types of information

Diminished Emotional Expression

Social cognition impairments in schizophrenia can result in diminished emotional expression

Disorganized Communication

Difficulties in responding appropriately to social cues can contribute to disorganized communication in schizophrenia

Empirical Evidence

Neuroimaging studies provide biological evidence for cognitive theories of schizophrenia

Reductionist Perspective

Cognitive models have been criticized for oversimplifying the complexity of schizophrenia and neglecting other etiological factors