ABSTRACT
Cognitive difficulties have been an integral part of the diagnosis of
schizophrenia in all diagnostic systems, beginning with Kraepelin and
Bleuler more than 100 years ago. However, they differed on the specific
mechanism that was at fault; Bleuler emphasized a loosening of the asso-
ciational threads that tie thoughts together, whilst Kraepelin and others
emphasized poor attention and memory difficulties. This chapter
describes these difficulties in more detail, with particular reference to the
effect they have on quality of life and life choices. Treatment options for
cognitive difficulties in schizophrenia are relatively new and have not
had their full potential developed; however, details of the most promis-
ing of the current therapeutic approaches is provided.
