title: Computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy: cognition, self-esteem and quality of life in schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome in the treatment of schizophrenia. Cognitive deficits have an impact on functional outcomes. Cognitive remediation therapy is emerging as a psychological intervention that targets cognitive impairment, but the effect of computer-assisted cognitive remediation on neuropsychology and social functioning and wellbeing remains unclear. The aim of the current study is to investigate the neurocognitive outcomes of computer-assisted cognitive remediation (CACR) therapy in a sample of schizophrenia patients, and to measure the quality of life and self-esteem as secondary outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-seven people with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to computer-assisted cognitive remediation or an active control condition. The main outcomes were neuropsychological measures and secondary outcomes (self-esteem and quality of life). Measurements were recorded at baseline and post-treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CACR therapy group improved in speed of processing, working memory and reasoning and problem-solving cognitive domains. QoL and self-esteem measures also showed significant improvements over time in this group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy for people with schizophrenia achieved improvements in neuropsychological performance and in QoL and self-esteem measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain. Electronic address: ggarrido@cst.cat.
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Garrido
authors.forename: Maite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barrios
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Penadés
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Enríquez
authors.forename: Maite
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garolera
authors.forename: Núria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aragay
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pajares
authors.forename: Vicenç
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vallès
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Alberni
authors.forename: Carlota
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faixa
authors.forename: Josep M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vendrell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cognitive dysfunctions; Cognitive remediation; Neurocognition; Quality of life; Schizophrenia