title: The effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program in improving cognitive abilities of schizophrenia clients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a computer - based training program of attention, memory and executive functions in enhancing neuropsychological performances as well as functional outcome in clients with schizophrenia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 15 clinically stable out patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for schizophrenia, diagnosed with different types of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, residual, based on DSM- IV-TR were selected to participate in this study. All patients were randomly selected using a conventional sampling method and assigned to 60 hours individual sessions of computer - assisted cognitive remediation (CACR).This was a pre- experimental study with pretest and posttest in a single group. Cognitive functions were checked with Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Wds) and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). The symptoms of patients were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Remediation was performed utilizing the Rehacome® software. Patients received the cognitive remediation program including attention, concentration and working memory. All participants were followed up after an interval of one month and three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 3 months, the findings showed that patients' scores improved in the time factor. Also, a significant improvement favoring cognitive remediation was found in several cognitive measures including Reaction Time (F = 4015p<.05, Eta = 0.242), Wds (F = 11.806, p<.05,Eta = .48) PRMQ1(F = 3.314, p<.05, Eta = 0.20) PRMQ7(F = 2.85, p<.05, Eta = 0.18).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computer-assisted cognitive remediation training program was effective in improving the performance of schizophrenic patients. CACR did not have any effects on the positive and negative symptoms. Long- term follow-up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.
authors: Psychiatric and Psychology Research Center, Department of Psychiatriy and Psychology, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Mohammad Reza
authors: MR
authors: Mohammadi
authors: Mental Health Clinic, 372, Dastgerdi (Zafar) Street, Valie Asr Ave., Tehran, Iran.
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Keshavarzi
authors: Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Psychology & Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
authors: Siavash
authors: S
authors: Talepasand
keywords: Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation; Rehacom Software and Executive Function; Schizophrenia