Today, cognitive deficit is considered one of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. It affects the functioning of people with schizophrenia in ordinary, everyday life.
The cognitive deficit influences the degree of independence and the social and work inclusion of the persons with schizophrenia. It affects their capacity to learn and acquire new skills and habits.
The paper presents findings concerning the origin, course and areas of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. A substantial part is given to the consequences that the cognitive deficit has in social integration and everyday functioning of a person, especially in the skills needed in the separate, independent life.