Effort-based decision making as an objective paradigm for the assessment of motivational deficits in schizophrenia

摘要: Abstract Background Negative symptoms and motivational deficits are prevalent features of schizophrenia, represent robust predictors real-world functional outcomes. The standard for assessment these is clinical interview severity ratings on standardized rating scales. In the present study we examined psychometric properties a performance-based measure in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Ninety-seven schizophrenia were included this investigation. Patients' willingness to expend effort reward (i.e., motivation) was evaluated using an effort-based decision making paradigm where participants chose over series trials whether greater amount larger monetary versus less smaller reward. Effort performance twice, separated by two-week interval. Results Patients opted higher value likelihood receipt. did not find task overly difficult reported being motivated perform well, underscoring tolerability patients. Test–retest consistency good there only minimal change scores time. related sociodemographic or variables (e.g., positive symptoms); however, deficit syndrome exerted at significantly lower rate than nondeficit Conclusions used represents objective that can be evaluate impairments Such measures motivation may also serve as viable endpoints trials.