title: Specific cognitive flexibility rehabilitation in schizophrenia.
abstract: A Cognitive Shift neurocognitive training module was developed in the attempt to ameliorate cognitive flexibility deficits in chronic schizophrenic patients. A procedural training approach hypothesized the exercise of specific neural network processes, identified from theories of frontal and prefrontal lobe functioning. Three male patients who underwent the intensive program demonstrated significant gains in Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance, gains that were maintained at a six month reassessment. Expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (a measure of symptomatology) and Life Skills Profile (a measure of daily functioning) measures showed smaller improvements. The ability to improve cognitive flexibility could have important implications for the treatment of schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Services, South-West Region, Department of Health, Albury, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Delahunty
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Morice
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Frost
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002746:Chlorpromazine