Investigation of Objective Cognitive Effort in Neuropsychological Evaluation of Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are characterised by a heterogeneity of symptoms, including cognitive disorders, which predict functional outcome. To date, the evaluation of cognitive functions essentially measures performance. Cognitive effort and the influence of psychological factors are rarely considered.

Based on the principle of energy conservation, the Motivational Intensity Theory (MIT) allows to test cognitive effort independently of performance, by measuring cardiovascular reactivity, as well as controlling for psychological factors (e.g., mood, fatigue, anxiety).

The main aim of this study is to investigate in a memory task the interaction between cognitive effort, performance and psychological factors in individuals with psychotic disorders compared to a non-clinical group, based on the predictions of the MIT.

This study will provide insights into the nature of cognitive impairment in psychotic disorders: primary or secondary to motivational (effort) or psychological (mood, fatigue, anxiety) difficulties.