Attractor Dynamics and Variability of Working Memory Performance in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by positive and negative symptoms. While recent research has extensively explored working memory deficits in schizophrenia, few studies have investigated how continuous memories evolve within working memory. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how task performance errors and attractor dynamics (stable memory states within mnemonic space) in visual working memory relate to symptom severity in schizophrenia. We used a continuous color report task with varying memory loads (1-3 items) and delay durations (500ms, 4000ms) in 47 individuals with schizophrenia and 33 healthy controls. Results demonstrated that both memory load and delay duration significantly increased angular error, with each additional memory item increasing error by approximately 7 degrees. Mean angular error significantly predicted symptom severity as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (p = 0.0207). Analysis of bias patterns across color space revealed greater variability in individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting possible disrupted attractor dynamics that warrant further research.