Relation between backward masking deficits and smooth pursuit dysfunction in schizophrenia?

Abstract

Backward masking deficit and smooth pursuit dysfunction are cognitive, information processing markers associated with schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, backward masking is typically manifest as a longer interstimulus interval over which a mask is still effective in interfering with the processing of a preceding target. Smooth pursuit dysfunction is characterized by saccadic smooth pursuit, saccadic intrusions, and low-gain pursuit. Although the natures of the two markers relative to schizophrenia are somewhat different (e.g., smooth pursuit dysfunction is a genetic marker; backward masking is associated more strongly with negative symptoms, poor prognosis schizophrenia), information processing theory indicates a possible neurocognitive relation between the two.