title: Planning and problem-solving training for patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess whether planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving functional capacity in patients with schizophrenia than a training program addressing basic cognitive functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-nine patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned either to a computer assisted training of planning and problem-solving or a training of basic cognition. Outcome variables included planning and problem-solving ability as well as functional capacity, which represents a proxy measure for functional outcome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Planning and problem-solving training improved one measure of planning and problem-solving more strongly than basic cognition training, while two other measures of planning did not show a differential effect. Participants in both groups improved over time in functional capacity. There was no differential effect of the interventions on functional capacity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A differential effect of targeting specific cognitive functions on functional capacity could not be established. Small differences on cognitive outcome variables indicate a potential for differential effects. This will have to be addressed in further research including longer treatment programs and other settings.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00507988.
authors.affiliation: Section of Experimental Psychopathology, Department of General Adult Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Katlehn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rodewald
authors.forename: Mirjam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rentrop
authors.forename: Daniel V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roesch-Ely
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Backenstrass
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Funke
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weisbrod
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaiser
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011340:Problem Solving; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation