A randomized, controlled trial of computer-assisted cognitive remediation for schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: There is considerable interest in cognitive remediation for schizophrenia. Our study aimed to evaluate, in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, the interest of a computer-assisted cognitive remediation program on cognitive performances of patients as well as in clinical and functional outcome.

Method: Seventy-seven patients with remitted schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 14 2-hours individual sessions of computer-assisted cognitive remediation (n=39) or a control condition (n=38). Remediation was performed using RehaCom ® software. Four procedures were chosen to train four cognitive functions involved in different stages of the information processing: attention/concentration, working memory, logic, and executive functions. Primary outcomes were remediation exercise metrics, neuropsychological composites (episodic memory, working memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed), clinical and community functioning measures.

Results: Cognitive performances concerning Attention/vigilance, verbal working memory and verbal learning memory and reasoning/problem solving improved significantly in the remediation condition when no difference was reported in the control condition between the 2 assessments. However, there were no significant benefits of cognitive remediation on non-verbal working memory and learning and speed of processing or functional outcome measures.

Conclusions: Cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia was effective in improving performance, but the benefits of training did not generalize to functional outcome measures. Long term follow-up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.