Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation reduces negative symptoms in the severely mentally ill.
Thirty-four-day treatment program clients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomly assigned to a computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) group or a wait-list Control group. CACR clients received 16 CACR sessions over an 8-week period. Measures of cognitive functioning, negative symptoms and self-esteem were administered at the beginning and end of this period. CACR clients showed greater improvement in cognitive functioning (verbal memory and attention) and negative symptoms. Symptom reduction was not mediated by raised self-esteem. CACR's effects may go beyond cognitive remediation to include some of the most disabling and refractory clinical features of schizophrenia.
Bellucci
Dona M
DM
CPC Behavioral Healthcare, High Point Center Way, Morganville, NJ 07751, USA.
Glaberman
Kathryn
K
Haslam
Nick
N
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents