title: A randomized, controlled trial of computer-assisted cognitive remediation for schizophrenia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is considerable interest in cognitive remediation for schizophrenia. Our study aimed to evaluate, in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, the interest of a computer-assisted cognitive remediation program on cognitive performances of patients as well as in clinical and functional outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-seven patients with remitted schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 14 2-hours individual sessions of computer-assisted cognitive remediation (n=39) or a control condition (n=38). Remediation was performed using RehaCom ® software. Four procedures were chosen to train four cognitive functions involved in different stages of the information processing: attention/concentration, working memory, logic, and executive functions. Primary outcomes were remediation exercise metrics, neuropsychological composites (episodic memory, working memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed), clinical and community functioning measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cognitive performances concerning Attention/vigilance, verbal working memory and verbal learning memory and reasoning/problem solving improved significantly in the remediation condition when no difference was reported in the control condition between the 2 assessments. However, there were no significant benefits of cognitive remediation on non-verbal working memory and learning and speed of processing or functional outcome measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia was effective in improving performance, but the benefits of training did not generalize to functional outcome measures. Long term follow-up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, Lyon, F-69003, France. thierry.damato@ch-le-vinatier.fr
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: d'Amato
authors.forename: Remy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bation
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cochet
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Jalenques
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galland
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giraud-Baro
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pacaud-Troncin
authors.forename: Françoise
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Augier-Astolfi
authors.forename: Pierre-Michel
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Llorca
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saoud
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brunelin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012073:Remedial Teaching; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology