Cognitive deficits and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia: role of computer-assisted cognitive remediation

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-assisted cognitive remediation program (CACR) (through the use of the Cogpack software) on cognitive outcomes, symptomatology, and real-world functioning compared to a control active group following 24 weeks of treatment in a sample of outpatients with stable schizophrenia. Materials and methods. Forty-four outpatients took part in the study: twentythree of them were allocated to CACR and twenty-one to the control active group. First, we calculated chi-square tests for categorical variables and the univariate analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) analyses of variance for continuous variables. Second, an ANOVA for repeated measures was performed for clinical and psychosocial variables. Results. A significant improvement over trial duration (within-group effect) was observed for both treatments in positive (PANSS-P), negative (PANSS-N), general symptoms (PANSS-G), and verbal learning (HVLT-R). CACR was found superior to the control active group (between group effect) in improving specific cognitive domains: processing speed (TMT, BACS, fluency); verbal learning (HVLT-R); reasoning and problem solving (NAB); visual learning (BVMT-R); attention/vigilance (CPT-IP); social cognition (MSCEIT-ME); social acceptability (SLOF social acceptability). No differences were found between groups for the other clinical outcomes’ measures. Conclusions. Our data suggest that the use of CACR is important to implement not only specific cognitive functions, but also functioning in daily life and social cognition in patients with stable schizophrenia.