User:Atcovi/Psychopathology/Paper1

Japan Research Paper Review/Summarization

Aim? Does 'cognitive remediation' improve cognitive/social functions in folks with schizophrenia

Method? 60 outpatients, randomly assigned in 'normal treatment' or 'cognitive remediation program' (cognitive training using CogPack, 2x a week in/and [?] a weekly group for 12+ weeks).

Measured? Cognitive/social functioning measured using BACS and LASMI before and after.

Results? 60 folks with schizo, 29 into 'cognitive remediation group' (CRG) and 31 were in 'normal treatment'. MASSIVE changes seen in CR Group, with improvements in processing speed, functioning, and BACS scored. Improvement in interperson relationships and LASMI work skills. Verbal fluency increased as well.

Conclusions? This cognitive remediation group + normal rehabilitation resulted in improve cognitive/social functioning.

Introduction

• Many methods, such as puzzles and neuro tests, have been used to try and aid schizo patients - but computer software programs are the latest innovation.
• Evidence points that cognitive functioning improves in schizo, but unclear about the social functioning (living and interacting properly in the real world).
• East Asian studies show cognitive remeditation supporting improvement in vocational, clinical, psych and neurocognitive outcomes.
• The researchers wanted to see if cognitive remeditation using cognitive training software improves cognitive + social functioning in schizos. Also wanted to see if cognitive remeditation would increase effects of rehabilitation on improving social functioning and observe the associated change between cognitive functioning and social functioning.

Method

Inclusion criteria:

• Diagnosis of schizophrenia
• ages 20-50
• the medical facility in question agrees
• can and will give consent
• no aintipsychotics as primary medication (antipsychotics can skew the results since they have a significant affect on cognitive functioning)
• want to work, but haven't worked yet

Picked through referrals, were attending 'day treatment services' (as described/highlighted in the study itself) and patients still had freedom to attend. Changes to pharmacological treatment was almost nill unless very necessary.