The aim of this study was to compare WAIS‑IV and WMS‑IV performance in recent‑onset schizophrenia (ROS) with performance in a demographically matched healthy comparison group. Forty‑three ROS inpatients were compared with 43 healthy individuals drawn from the Croatian standardization samples forthe WAIS‑IV and WMS‑IV and matched to patients on age, sex and years of education. Primary analyses used separate MANCOVAs (Pillai’s Trace) on WAIS‑IV and WMS‑IV index scores with Group as the between‑subjects factor and years of education as a covariate. Significant multivariate effects were followed by univariateANCOVAs on each index, with Holm correction across the nine index tests. Clinical interpretability was summarized by the proportion of participants falling below −1 SD and −1.5 SD relative to the control‑group distribution. Large deficits were observed on WAIS‑IV Processing Speed and Working Memory, with sizableeffects on Perceptual Reasoning and Verbal Comprehension. WMS‑IV showed very large decrements in Immediate and Delayed Memory and large reductions in Visual Memory and Visual Working Memory. These findings suggest that broad cognitive impairment is already evident near illness onset, with slowed processingand episodic‑memory dysfunction being prominent targets for early assessment and remediation.

Premda postoje i drugi načini, danas se intelektualna razvijenost najčešće izražava kvocijentom inteligencije (IQ). U članku se pregledno obrazlaže povijest uporabe pet različitih kvocijenata inteligencije u našoj, ali i u svjetskoj psihološkoj teoriji i praksi. Uz dva klasična IQ-a, Sternov kao decimalni i Termanov kao cjeloviti broj, koji su izračunavani kao omjer između mentalne (MD) i kronološke (KD) dobi, razvijena su i tri devijacijska kvocijenta. Prvi je ponudio David Wechsler 1939. s aritmetičkom sredinom M=100 i sa standardnom devijacijom (SD) od 15 jedinica, Raymond Cattell 1951. ponudio je drugo rješenje, s M=100 i sa SD od 24 jedinice i na kraju Maud Merril 1960. razvija treći oblik s M=100 i sa SD od 16 jedinica. Dokumentirano je da se u Hrvatskoj „decimalni“ kvocijent zadržao sve do sredine 1980-ih. EFPA Board of Assessment u Test Review Model 2025. zalaže se za korištenje isključivo IQ-a sa SD od 15 jedinica. Budući da će trebati vremena da se to prihvati kao jedinstveni standard i s obzirom na dosadašnju raznolikost veličina IQ-ova, potrebno je i daljeuz kvocjent inteligencije navoditi i pripadajuću standardnu devijaciju.

This study investigated the relationship between cognitive abilities measured using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV), memory functions measured using the Wechsler Memory Scales-IV (WMS-IV), and the five-factor model of personality, measured using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). All three measures were given to 330 participants aged between 18 and 74 years. Regression analysis was used to calculate how personality traits and WAIS-IV indices predict achievement on memory indices in one model and how personality traits and WMS-IV indices predict cognitive functions (indices of WAIS-IV) in another. The results show that personality traits, mainly Neuroticism and Openness, are best predictors of intelligence scores and that based on the results of personality and memory, it is possible to predict approximately 50 % of the variance of total IQ. Regarding the possibility of predicting memory functions, the results show that results in intelligence indices are not significant predictors of success in memory tasks, and that only Conscientiousness significantly predicts success on the visual working memory. Overall, results indicate that better inferences can be drawn about intelligence based on memory scores than vice versa.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is one of the world’s most recognizable measures of intelligence for adults, comprised of 10 core and 5 supplemental subtests. Since it is a battery of tests, research of discrepancy between subtest scores enables conclusions regarding possible misinterpretations of a single test score. Adaptation and standardization of the fourth revision of WAIS was conducted in 2019. for Croatian language. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of low scores on subtests and Indexes as well as the difference between scores regarding overall intelligence level. Data was gathered for 700 adults (343 males and 357 females), aged between 16 and 74 years. The sample was stratified according to age, self-reported gender (male/female), and five geographical regions. The results show that single low scores among healthy adults are not uncommon, even when using strict and rigorous cut-off scores such as below 2nd percentile (i. e. 12.9 for subtests and 5.7 for Index scores). Also, results show that 1 out of 4 participants of the study had differences between Index scores greater than one standard deviation, and those differences were greater and more common in groups with above average and high overall intelligence. These results indicate that variability of results is a normal feature of cognitive functioning and should not automatically be considered as proof of existence of a cognitive disorder.

According to the Moral Foundations Theory, there are five moral foundations: Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity. Various studies have aimed to identify moral profiles that differ in the pattern of support for the five moral foundations. Those profiles correspond to distinct ideological positions. However, there are cultural differences in emphasis of certain moral foundations, and no research has been conducted on a Croatian sample to identify moral profiles. We conducted a study on 352 Croatian students and identified three moral profiles: the High Moralist, the Moderate, and the Individuator. The three profiles differ in political attitudes, religious orientations, and personality dimensions. We explain how the differences between our results and the previous research may be reflecting the cultural differences between Croatian culture and those of the US and New Zealand.

Abstract: According to the Moral Foundations Theory, there are five moral foundations: Care, Fairness, Loyalty, Authority, and Sanctity. Various studies have aimed to identify moral profiles that differ in the pattern of support for the five moral foundations. Those profiles correspond to distinct ideological positions. However, there are cultural differences in emphasis of certain moral foundations, and no research has been conducted on a Croatian sample to identify moral profiles. We conducted a study on 352 Croatian students and identified three moral profiles: the High Moralist, the Moderate, and the Individuator. The three profiles differ in political attitudes, religious orientations, and personality dimensions. We explain how the differences between our results and the previous research may be reflecting the cultural differences between Croatian culture and those of the US and New Zealand.

The aim of this study was to examine whether the ROCF qualitative scoring system developed by Loring, Lee and Meador for differentiating complex partial seizures originating from either the right or left temporal lobe is effective in differentiating left-sided and right-sided brain lesions that are the result of cerebrovascular insult or brain tumours. We were also interested in determining whether this scoring system, which was developed for scoring trials with delayed recall, could be applied to trials with immediate recall and copying. The study consisted of 24 participants with lesions of the left hemisphere and 33 participants with right-sided lesions. Participants with right-sided lesions had a significantly greater number of qualitative errors in copying, immediate and delayed recall, and these three variables are the major contributors in distinguishing between groups. Based on these variables and quantitative results on copying, immediate and delayed recall, we were able to correctly classify 78.3 % of participants with left-sided lesions and 66.7 % of participants with right-sided lesions. Given that more than 90 % of participants with left-sided lesions had two or more errors in delayed recall, it is clear that the criterion of two or more errors which was set by Loring, Lee and Meador for patients with a right-sided focus in epilepsy is not applicable to patients with tumours and strokes. These results do not confirm the usefulness of qualitative errors for distinguishing left-sided and right-sided lesions caused by a tumour or stroke, except, perhaps, in cases of very high results (six or more errors) and when one of these errors is error X in immediate and/or delayed recall.

U ostavštini kolege Želimira Pavline, koji se prvi počeo u značajnijoj mjeri baviti poviješću hrvatske psihologije, našao se oglas o Bujasovu esteziometru na vlas.1) Oglas je preslikan iz Kataloga poduzeća Heinricha Diela iz Leipziga, koje se reklamiralo kao ‘Konstrukcijski ured i tvornica znanstvenih uređaja’. Šteta je što nisu navedeni bibliografski podaci tako da se ne može utvrditi kada je Katalog objavljen, kao što ne Esteziometar na vlas Ramira Bujasa

U članku se obrađuju podaci o primjeni psihodijagnostičkih sredstava kliničkih psihologa u Republici Hrvatskoj koji su prikupljeni u sklopu međunarodnog istraživnaja koje je organizirao Board of Assessment EFPA-e 2020. godine. Anketa je bila poslana internetski na 3669 adresa članova/ica Hrvatske psihološke komore. Odgovorilo je 9 kolega i 118 kolegica kliničkih psihologa/inja. U 9 slučajeva nije bio naveden ni jedan test pa je u završnu obradu ušlo 118 cjelovitih odgovora. Ovo je treće anketiranje na istu temu u kojemu su sudjelovali i hrvatski psiholozi pa je učinjena i djelomična usporedba s rezultatima najčešće korištenih testova iz prethodnih dvaju istraživanja. U članku se dotiču i neka pitanja o uporabi psihodijagnostičkih sredstava u Republici Hrvatskoj. Ključne riječi: psihodijagnostička sredstva, klinički psiholozi, uporaba psiholoških testova, EFPA- Povjerenstvo za pocjenu

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je usporediti kognitivne funkcije osoba koje su liječene od alkoholizma s kontrolnim uzorkom i utvrditi postoje li razlike između tih dviju skupina. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 19 pacijenata, i to 13 muškaraca i 6 žena, te isto toliko osoba iz kontrolnog uzorka koji je bio uparen na temelju dobi i spola. Obje su skupine sudionika ispunjavale Wechslerov test inteligencije za odrasle, IV. Izdanje (WAIS-IV-HR). WAIS-IV-HR sastoji se od 15 subtestova koji čine četiri indeksa, te je namijenjen procjeni kognitivnih sposobnosti adolescenata i odraslih osoba. Rezultati ovog istraživanja su pokazali kako postoje značajne razlike u kognitivnim sposobnostima kod liječenih alkoholičara, u usporedbi s uparenim uzorkom. Osobe liječene od alkoholizma postigle su značajno niže rezultate na svim indeksima WAIS-a-IV-HR (Indeks perceptivnog rasuđivanja, Indeks verbalnog shvaćanja, Indeks radnog pamćenja i Indeks brzine obrade informacija) u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Ključne riječi: kognitivne funkcije, alkoholizam, inteligencija, WAIS-IV

RATIONALE:Beneficial effects of aripiprazole on cognition in schizophrenia have been previously reported, but not in recent onset schizophrenia. Cognitive impairments have also been associated with catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and serotonin transporter (SERT) gene polymorphisms which were earlier implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.OBJECTIVES:This study examined the short-term influence of aripiprazole long-acting injectable (LAI) as well as of COMT, MTHFR, and SERT gene polymorphisms and their interactions on clinical features and cognitive functions in inpatients with recent onset schizophrenia.METHODS:This study included 98 inpatients suffering from recent onset schizophrenia diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria. Three months after initiating aripiprazole LAI, the severity of symptoms was assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), while cognitive functions were measured by 5-KOG test for cognition. Genotypes of SERT, MTHFR, and COMT gene were determined by different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.RESULTS:Three-month aripiprazole LAI treatment was associated with a statistically significant change of PANSS total (p<0.001) and subscale scores as well as cognitive parameters of delayed recall (p<0.03), attention (p<0.01), and executive functions in the form of less perseverations (p<0.03), without influencing other examined cognitive functions. However, it significantly influenced composite cognitive score (p<0.02). In regard to the investigated genetic polymorphisms, we established a positive association between the COMT polymorphism (M/M allele carriers) and attention (p<0.01). Additionally, we also established a positive association between the COMT - MTHFR interaction and attention (p<0.02), as well as perseveration item belonging to executive functions (p<0.01). Two other investigated polymorphisms (MTHFR and SERT) were not significantly associated with cognitive indices. Investigated genetic polymorphisms and their interactions were not associated with PANSS scores.CONCLUSIONS:Our findings suggest that aripiprazole LAI improves individual cognitive functions in recent onset schizophrenia. Investigated COMT polymorphism (Met/Met genotype), as well as the COMT-MTHFR interaction, were positively associated with attention and executive functioning (perseveration), potentially implying COMT's biomarker potential in terms of cognition in schizophrenia.

Purpose/Background Frontal and temporal cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes are the most common impairments of CBF described in patients with schizophrenia. Those impairments have also been associated with cognitive deficits, a hallmark of schizophrenia. In light of that fact, treatment interventions should target cognitive deficits to prevent chronic disability. However, specific therapies targeting cognitive symptoms are very few and far between. One of the treatment possibilities is aripiprazole, because several studies reported its potential procognitive effects. The objective of this study was to investigate whether use of aripiprazole in its long-acting injectable formulation (ALAI), during a 3-month treatment, has beneficial effects on CBF and cognitive functioning in patients with first episode of schizophrenia. Methods/Procedures Single-photon emission computed tomography with technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime was performed at 2 time points. Cognitive functions were assessed with a standardized test for cognitive functions, 5-KOG test, whereas severity of clinical symptoms was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, both at the same 2 time points as single-photon emission computed tomography. Three-month treatment with ALAI was associated with improvement of several cognition indices and improvements of right-sided frontal and temporal CBF, as well as of clinical symptoms. Findings/Results Multivariate tests were used to test for the effects of ALAI treatment on cognitive functions, clinical presentation, and brain perfusion in a 3-month period. Multivariate model revealed statistical significance (F = 11.958, P < 0.001). Of 10 separate 5-KOG parameters, 3-month treatment with ALAI significantly influenced 4: undelayed recall, delayed recall, attention, and working memory-digit span forward. Finally, 3-month ALAI treatment significantly improved regional CBF in 2 of 4 investigated areas, both on the right side of the brain (frontally and temporally). Implications/Conclusions Results of this research showed that treatment with ALAI in patients with first episode of schizophrenia is associated with improved right-sided frontal and temporal CBF, as well as with improved symptoms, including cognition indices. Although we cannot confirm it directly, it is possible that improved frontotemporal CBF led to the improvement in cognition indices.

The fourth edition of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) was published in 2003. and it quickly became one of the world’s most used measures of intelligence for children and adolescents. Adaptation and standardization for the Croatian language, in 2009, made this test available for experts to assess the level of intelligence of children in Croatia, but for the interpretation of individual achievement to be accurate, there is a need to consider the overall prevalence of low subtest and Index scores in healthy children. Understanding the prevalence of obtaining low scores on a particular test battery provides an estimate of the probability that a specific result obtained by the clinician is clinically significant and unusual for the normative population. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of low scores on the WISC-IV-HR subtests and Indexes in overall Croatian standardization sample and depending on child’s intelligence level. The study included 1200 children and adolescents aged between 6 years 0 months and 16 years 11 months. The results show that even when considering a cut-off more than 2 SD below the mean, 1 out of 5 children obtains at least one low WISC-IV subtest score. The prevalence of low Index scores is smaller but still should not be ignored while interpreting test results. Also important to keep in mind is that those results cannot be explained only by the overall level of child’s intelligence since even using the most rigorous cut-off value, around 1 out of 10 children with average or higher intelligence level will obtain low subtest scores and around 3% of them will have one low Index score. Keywords: intelligence, Croatian adaptation, WISC-IV, low scores

Cognitive functions are essential for the normal functioning of every individual,and in cases when they are damaged we speak of cognitive deficits.Each psychiatric disorder is specific to the area and extent of cognitive deficits, and their detection is of great importance for differential diagnosis, treatment success, rehabilitation as well as social reintegration of patients.This study compared the performance on the 5-KOG test, ie investigated differences in performance on subtests of short-term and long-term memory, attention and speed of information processing, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions, in clinical groups of schizophrenia, alcoholism, and depression.The correlations between the subtests for each clinical group were also analyzed.A total of 86 participants, who were treated at a psychiatric clinic in a hospital in the city of Zagreb during this research, participated in the study, out of which 29 belonged to the schizophrenia group, 28 belonged to depression group and 29 belonged to the clinical group of alcoholism.A 5-KOG triage test was used to assess cognitive function in psychiatric disorders.Results showed no significant difference in the performance on subtests of undelayed and delayed recall, attention and speed of information processing, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions, among the studied clinical groups.

AbstractIn this paper, the relationship between phonological awareness and letter knowledgeand their inherent structures in the period of early literacy are examined. In this crosssectionalstudy involving 746 children, factor analysis was performed one year beforechildren began formal education, in order to define the latent variables that underliemanifest variables of phonological awareness and letter knowledge in Croatian, alanguage with transparent orthography. The results suggest that rhyme is equallydistributed across both syllabic and phonemic awareness. The results also confirma correlation between letter knowledge and phonological awareness, and phonemicawareness in particular. The analysis identified two factors related to letter knowledge,in which upper- and lowercase letters demonstrated partially different distributionsbetween the two factors. These findings have implications for educational policy inthe area of early literacy, especially in the development of preschool curricula andlanguage intervention programs.Keywords: education policy; phonemic awareness; preschool curricula; rhyme;transparent orthography.---SažetakU radu se ispituje povezanost fonološke svjesnosti i poznavanja slova kao i njihovafaktorska struktura u razdoblju rane pismenosti. Istraživanje se temelji na metodipresjeka i uključuje 746 djece koja su ispitana godinu dana pred polazak u školu.Provedena je faktorska analiza kako bi se odredile latentne varijable koje leže upozadini manifestnih varijabli fonološke svjesnosti i poznavanja slova u hrvatskomejeziku kao jeziku transparentne ortografije. Podatci upućuju da je rima podjednakoraspodijeljena na slogovnu i fonemsku svjesnost. Potvrđuje se i korelacija izmeđupoznavanja slova i svih razina fonološke svjesnosti, posebice fonemske svjesnosti.Analiza otkriva i dva faktora na varijabli poznavanja slova, pri čemu mala i velikai mala formalna slova pokazuju djelomično drugačiju raspodjelu između ta dvafaktora. Dobiveni nalazi trebaju biti ugrađeni u obrazovnu politiku, i to u područjupredškolskoga obrazovanja, pri oblikovanju predškolskoga kurikula i planiranjeintervencijskih jezičnih programa.Ključne riječi: fonemska svjesnost; obrazovna politika; predškolski kurikul; rima;transparentna ortografija.