title: Computer-aided neurocognitive remediation as an enhancing strategy for schizophrenia rehabilitation.
abstract: Cognitive dysfunction is a chronically disabling feature of schizophrenia, associated with limits in obtaining rehabilitation improvements. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of intensive computer-aided cognitive remediation treatment (CRT) added to a standard rehabilitation treatment (SRT), in enhancing neuropsychological performances and daily functioning in patients with schizophrenia. A 12-week, randomized, controlled, single-blind trial of neurocognitive remediation was carried out on 86 patients with clinically stabilized DSM-IV schizophrenia. Patients were assessed on cognitive and daily functioning before and after either CRT or placebo training that had been added to their SRT. After 3 months the repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant time x treatment interaction for executive function and attention performances and in daily functioning assessment in favour of patients in the SRT+CRT treatment. Results confirmed that cognitive remediation added to the SRT of schizophrenia enhanced its neuropsychological effects and increased the effects of a long-term rehabilitation programme in terms of functional outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, San Raffaele Universitary Scientific Institute Hospital, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anselmetti
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poletti
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bechi
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ermoli
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cocchi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stratta
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vita
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smeraldi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult