Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1656 International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research Online ISSN-2958-3683 | Print ISSN-2958-3675 Frequency: Bi-Monthly Available online on: https://ijmpr.in/ Research Article Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Dr. Siddharth Patil Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapura. BLDE (Deemed to be University) A B S T R A C T Corresponding Author: Dr. Siddharth Patil Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Vijayapura. BLDE (Deemed to be University) Received: 23-09-2025 Accepted: 06-10-2025 Available online: 20-10-2025 Background: Cognitive impairments are frequently observed in the offspring of individuals with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS), due to genetic and environmental factors. Early identification of these deficits is essential for timely intervention. Aim: To assess and compare cognitive functioning in offspring of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and ADS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 62 participants (31 in each group), aged 12 years and above. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the MiniMental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISCIV), and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAISIV). Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson’s correlation using SPSS version 20. Results: Offspring of schizophrenia patients demonstrated significantly lower scores in working memory (mean = 56.09, p = 0.001), perceptual reasoning (mean = 89.36, p = 0.003), and verbal comprehension (mean = 90.64, p = 0.026) compared to those of ADS patients. A near-significant difference was observed in Full-Scale IQ (p = 0.058). Freedom from distractibility was also significantly lower in the schizophrenia group (p = 0.005). No significant differences were found in MMSE scores. Duration of parental illness showed weak correlation with cognitive performance. Conclusion: Schizophrenia-offspring exhibit broader and more severe cognitive impairments than ADS-offspring, indicating stronger heritable neurodevelopmental vulnerability. Early cognitive screening and targeted interventions are recommended for these high-risk populations. Copyright © International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research Keywords: Cognitive function, schizophrenia, alcohol dependence, offspring, WAISIV, WISC-IV, working memory, verbal comprehension. INTRODUCTION Cognitive functioning encompasses essential mental processes such as attention, memory, language, executive function, and problem-solving, which are foundational to learning, adaptive behavior, and social integration. Typically, these abilities follow a predictable developmental trajectory; however, early disruptions—especially those linked to parental psychiatric disorders—can significantly affect this process. Children of individuals with schizophrenia or alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) represent high-risk populations for cognitive impairments, shaped by both genetic predisposition and environmental adversity. In schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunction is a core feature, often predating clinical symptoms. Studies have shown that 60–80% of schizophrenia risk is heritable, and cognitive deficits in offspring—particularly in working memory, executive function, and attention—are considered stable endophenotypes (Tsuang et al., 1999; Gottesman & Gould, 2003). Neurophysiological abnormalities such as reduced P300 amplitude, impaired pre-pulse inhibition (PPI), and oculomotor irregularities further support this risk (Nuechterlein et al., 2004; Jeon & Polich, 2003). Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1657 Similarly, offspring of alcohol-dependent parents also exhibit impairments in working memory, attention, and inhibitory control, often linked to both heritable neurocognitive traits and adverse exposures like prenatal alcohol, emotional neglect, and inconsistent caregiving (Hill et al., 2000; Gierski et al., 2013). Electrophysiological markers, such as reduced P300 and elevated EEG beta activity, may serve as biomarkers of risk in this group as well (Begleiter et al., 1984; Iacono & Malone, 2011). Despite overlapping vulnerabilities, the cognitive profiles in these two groups may differ. While schizophrenia-offspring often present with global impairments across multiple domains, ADS-offspring more commonly display domain-specific deficits, especially in attention and impulse control. Understanding these differences is essential for early identification and the development of targeted interventions. This study aims to assess and compare cognitive functioning in the offspring of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and ADS using standardized neuropsychological tools, providing insights into their respective cognitive risk profiles. AIMS To assess and compare the cognitive functions in the offspring of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence syndrome. OBJECTIVES • To assess the cognitive function in the offspring of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. • To assess cognitive function in the offspring of patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome. • To compare the cognitive function of offspring of schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome MATERIAL AND METHOD SOURCE OF DATA: The study will be performed at BLDE (DU) Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura. METHOD OF COLLECTION OF DATA: INCLUSION CRITERIA Any Offspring of patients diagnosed with either schizophrenia or alcohol dependence syndrome, aged 12 and above. EXCLUSION CRITERIA 1. Offspring already diagnosed with any psychiatric illness. 2. Offspring with a history of alcohol use. 3. Offspring diagnosed with Intellectual Disability Disorder. 4. Any major medical illness that affects cognitive function. STUDY DURATION: 24 MONTHS (May 2023MAY 2025) METHODOLOGY: S Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1658 SAMPLING: With the anticipated Prevalence of both illnesses, the study would require a sample size of 62(for each group 31, assuming equal group sizes), so to achieve a power of 85% for detecting a difference in Means: Inequality, t-tests - Means: Difference between two independent means (two groups) with 5% level of significance. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained will be entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet, and regression analyses cognitive performance will be performed. Using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (Version 20). Results will be presented as Mean, SD, counts, percentages, and diagrams. The two groups will be compared for normally distributed continuous variables using an independent sample t-test. For not normally distributed variables, the Mann-Whitney U test is used. For Categorical variables, the two groups will be compared using the Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test. If p<0.05, it will be considered statistically significant. All statistical data will be analyzed using a two-tailed test. 4.8 SCALES USED FOR ASSESSMENT: 1. Mini-Mental Status Examination 2. Wechsler intelligent scale for children IV 3. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. RESULTS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AGE Table 1: AGE AGE N MEAN AGE STD DEVIATION OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 31 36.38 1.480 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 31 38.27 1.451 Graphical representation 1: AGE Graph 1: AGE Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1659 SEX Table 2: SEX SEX OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLICS OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA TOTAL FEMALE 14 11 25 MALE 17 19 20 TOTAL 31 31 62 Graphical representation 2: SEX Graph 2: SEX RELIGION Table 3: RELIGION RELIGION CHILDREN-N ADULT-N TOTAL HINDU 33 22 55 MUSLIM 4 3 7 TOTAL 37 25 62 Graphical representation 3: RELIGION Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1660 URBAN AND RURAL Table 4: URBAN AND RURAL OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA TOTAL RURAL 19 20 39 URBAN 12 11 23 TOTAL 31 31 62 Graphical representation 4: URBAN AND RURAL FAMILY INCOME Table 5: FAMILY INCOME Offsprings N Mean Income Std. Deviation Alcoholic (Adult) 14 16,285.71 7,487.72 Schizophrenia (Adult) 11 12,545.45 3,327.57 Alcoholic (Child) 17 20,617.65 14,393.50 Schizophrenia (Child) 20 21,000.00 13,549.13 Graphical representation 5: FAMILY INCOME Graph 5: FAMILY INCOME Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1661 WAIS 4: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4 GROUP STATISTICS OF OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC PARENTS VERSUS OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA(ADULT) TABLE 6 Group Statistics ADULT N MEAN St. Deviation FULL SCALE OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 93.79 8.972 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 87.27 6.857 VERBAL COMPREHENSION OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 100.29 11.789 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 90.64 7.379 PERCEPTUAL REASONING OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 107.00 12.070 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 89.36 10.984 WORKING MEMORY OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 87.93 7.898 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 56.09 30.517 PROCESSING SPEED OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 101.86 11.818 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 95.18 11.643 MMSE OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 14 24.21 1.578 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 11 23.82 1.328 Graph 6: Full Scale IQ 14 11 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 FULL SCALE alcoholic schizophrenia Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1662 • Compares cognitive functioning; OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC has a higher average IQ (93.79) than OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA (87.27). • Near-significant difference (p = 0.058). Graphical representation 7: Verbal Comprehension Graph 7: Verbal Comprehension • Significant difference (p = 0.026); OFFSPRINS OF ALCOHOLIC performed better verbally. Graphical representation 8: Perceptual Reasoning Graph 8: Perceptual Reasoning • OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC shows much stronger reasoning skills; highly significant (p = 0.003) Graphical representation 9: Working Memory alcoholic 56% schizophren ia 44% VERBAL COMPREHENSION alcoholic schizophrenia alcoholic 56% schizophren ia 44% PERCEPTUAL REASONING Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1663 Graph 9: Working Memory Significant disparity in scores; OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA performed much worse (p = 0.001), indicating cognitive challenges. Graphical representation 10: Processing Speed Graph 10: Processing Speed No significant difference (p = 0.236), although OFFSPRINS OF ALCOHOLIC has a slight edge. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 14 11 WORKING MEMORY alcoholic schizophrenia 14 11 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 alcoholic schizophrenia PROCESSING SPEED Dr. Siddharth Patil et al. Assessment and Comparison of Cognitive Function in Offspring of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome. Int. J Med. Pharm. Res., 6 (5): 1656‐1669, 2025 1664 Graphical representation 11: MMSE Graph 11: MMSE Alcoholics’ offspring showed better results. WISC-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children(Children) Group Statistics: OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC VERSUS OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA(Children) Table 7: group statistics CHILDREN N Mean Std. Deviation VERBAL OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 91.59 8.704 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 85.95 9.976 PERFORMANCE OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 93.94 7.941 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 96.45 8.959 FULL SCALE OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 91.94 7.949 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 89.55 8.420 VERBAL COMPREHENSION OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 84.12 6.244 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 79.65 16.620 PERCEPTUAL ORGANISATION OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 75.88 5.085 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 77.05 4.685 FREEDOM FOR DISTRACTION OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 84.29 8.387 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 75.35 8.543 PROCESSING SPEED OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 84.06 4.322 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 84.40 5.082 MMSE OFFSPRINGS OF ALCOHOLIC 17 23.88 3.180 OFFSPRINGS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA 20 25.05 2.089 Graphical Representation 12: Verbal 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 14 11 MMSE alcoholic schizophrenia