Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Full Scale IQ of Male Admissions to a High Secure Psychiatric Hospital Over Six Decades

Abstract

The present study describes the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) full scale IQ (FIQ) of admissions to one UK High Secure Psychiatric Care hospital. WAIS IV comparative data and the FIQ of admissions from the 1960s to the 2010s are presented (n = 639). Results suggest 75% of current admissions have FIQs within the ‘low average’ and ‘extremely low’ classifications, with significant discrepancies between composite scales being common and processing speed being the most compromised area of cognitive functioning. A one standard deviation decline in FIQs of admissions since the 1960s to the 2010s is also present. The results are discussed in terms of the changing clinical presentations of admissions, along with research and clinical implications.