Cognitive Training for Schizophrenia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Lone Vesterager, Torben Ø. Christensen, Birthe B. Olsen, Gertrud Krarup, Hysse B. Forchhammer, Marianne Melau, Christian Gluud, Merete Nordentoft
Primary Institution: Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital
Hypothesis
Does adding cognitive training to a comprehensive psychosocial program improve cognitive and everyday functional capacity in patients with first-episode schizophrenia compared to the psychosocial program alone?
Conclusion
The study aims to determine if cognitive training enhances the functional capacity and cognitive abilities of patients with schizophrenia more than the psychosocial program alone.
Supporting Evidence
- Up to 85% of patients with schizophrenia show cognitive dysfunction.
- Cognitive dysfunction is stable over time and independent of clinical state.
- Previous studies have shown mixed results on the effectiveness of cognitive training.
Takeaway
This study is trying to see if teaching people with schizophrenia how to think better can help them do better in everyday life.
Methodology
The study is a randomized parallel-group clinical trial comparing cognitive training integrated with a psychosocial program to the psychosocial program alone over 16 weeks.
Potential Biases
The comprehensive psychosocial program may influence cognition positively, making it hard to determine the specific effects of cognitive training.
Limitations
The intensity of the cognitive training may reduce participation in the psychosocial program, and there is no control for the amount of clinician contact.
Participant Demographics
Outpatients aged 18-35 with first-episode psychosis or schizotypal disorder.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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