title: [Timing and effectiveness of Brenner's IPT cognitive training in early psychosis. A pilot study].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study evaluates the outcome of cognitive training as part of Brenner's Integrated Psychological Therapy (IPT) in two groups of individuals with a schizophrenic spectrum disorder (F20-F24 ICD-10). 28 participants were divided into either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group was composed of 13 individuals (46%) with a mean age of 21.2 years and a mean duration of illness (since their first episode of psychosis FEP) of 15.6 months. The control group included 15 individuals (54%) with a mean age of 25.6 years and a mean duration of illness of 74.4 months (beyond the critical period).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants underwent an assessment of cognitive functioning which focused on attention, memory, executive functioning and cognitive flexibility as measured by the WCST (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test). Each individual was tested pre- and 6-month post-intervention. The original IPT method was altered by reducing the frequency of sessions to once a week and by limiting our sessions to 2-3 individuals per group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cognitive flexibility (p<0.01) and long-term memory (p<0.01) improved only in the experimental group. These former skills worsened in the control group (p<0.01). Selective attention, short-term memory and verbal fluency improved in both groups (from p<0.05 to p<0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IPT cognitive training, when delivered in the early stages of psychosis (within 18 months from FEP), seems to be particularly effective in improving cognitive flexibility and long-term memory. We did not see improvements in those who had a longer duration of illness who also underwent the same treatment. Cognitive flexibility is linked to clinical insight and social cognition. Therefore, improving this function may lead to a better outcome for patients.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Salute Mentale ASL Roma D.
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borriello
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Salute Mentale ASL Roma D.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balbi
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Salute Mentale ASL Roma D.
authors.forename: Renato Maria
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Menichincheri
authors.affiliation: Reparto di Salute Mentale, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma.
authors.forename: Fiorino
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mirabella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D057567:Memory, Long-Term; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult