A meta-analysis of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effects of cognitive remediation for improving cognitive performance, symptoms, and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia.


METHODS
A meta-analysis was conducted of 26 randomized, controlled trials of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia including 1,151 patients.


RESULTS
Cognitive remediation was associated with significant improvements across all three outcomes, with a medium effect size for cognitive performance (0.41), a slightly lower effect size for psychosocial functioning (0.36), and a small effect size for symptoms (0.28). The effects of cognitive remediation on psychosocial functioning were significantly stronger in studies that provided adjunctive psychiatric rehabilitation than in those that provided cognitive remediation alone.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive remediation produces moderate improvements in cognitive performance and, when combined with psychiatric rehabilitation, also improves functional outcomes.
Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center, 105 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301, USA. susan.r.mcgurk@dartmouth.edu
Susan R
SR
McGurk
Elizabeth W
EW
Twamley
David I
DI
Sitzer
Gregory J
GJ
McHugo
Kim T
KT
Mueser
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016832:Employment, Supported; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome