title: A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia.
abstract: Individuals with schizophrenia have consistently been found to exhibit cognitive deficits, which have been identified as critical mediators of psychosocial functional outcomes. Recent reviews of cognitive remediation (CRT) have concluded that these deficits respond to training. This multi-site community study examined 40 individuals with schizophrenia who underwent cognitive remediation using the Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation(1) (NEAR). Assessments using the same neuropsychological tests and measures of psychosocial outcome were made at four time points: baseline, before start of active intervention, end of active intervention and 4 months after end of active intervention. Dose of antipsychotic medication remained constant throughout the study period. After participating in NEAR, individuals showed significant improvements in verbal and visual memory, sustained attention and executive functioning. This effect persisted 4 months after the treatment ceased. The average effect size was mild to moderate. Social and occupational outcomes also improved from baseline to post-treatment, which persisted 4 months later. Our findings replicate those of previous studies that suggest that NEAR is effective in improving cognition in individuals with schizophrenia in a naturalistic and ecologically valid setting. Further it extends such findings to show a generalisation of effects to social/occupational outcomes and persistence of effects in the short term.
authors: Macquarie University. antoinetterh@med.usyd.edu.au
authors: Marie Antoinette Redoblado
authors: MA
authors: Hodge
authors: Daniella
authors: D
authors: Siciliano
authors: Pamela
authors: P
authors: Withey
authors: Beverley
authors: B
authors: Moss
authors: Genevieve
authors: G
authors: Moore
authors: Gaby
authors: G
authors: Judd
authors: E Arthur
authors: EA
authors: Shores
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Harris
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010343:Patient Admission; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012073:Remedial Teaching; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D055815:Young Adult