title: Tackling Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Feasibility Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Social cognition difficulties in schizophrenia are seen as a barrier to recovery. Intervention tackling problems in this domain have the potential to facilitate functioning and recovery. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a manual-based psychological therapy designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a modified version of SCIT for inpatient forensic wards. The potential benefits of the intervention were also assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a randomized single blind controlled design, with participants randomized to receive SCIT (N = 21) or treatment as usual (TAU; N = 15). SCIT consisted of 8-week therapy sessions twice per week. Participants were assessed at week 0 and one week after the intervention on measures of social cognition. Feasibility was assessed through group attendance and attrition. Participant acceptability and outcome was evaluated through post-group satisfaction and achievement of social goals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intervention was well received by all participants and the majority reported their confidence improved. The SCIT group showed a significant improvement in facial affect recognition compared to TAU. Almost all participants agreed they had achieved their social goal as a result of the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible to deliver SCIT in a forensic ward setting; however, some adaptation to the protocol may need to be considered in order to accommodate for the reduced social contact within forensic wards. Practice of social cognition skills in real life may be necessary to achieve benefits to theory of mind and attributional style.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Rumina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cella
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Emese
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Csipke
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heriot-Maitland
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's College London,UK.
authors.forename: Til
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wykes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004644:Emotions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012919:Social Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D066107:Social Skills; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Social cognition; forensic; inpatient; schizophrenia; social functioning