Neuroscience-Guided Remediation of Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia
Description
study will investigate whether computerized training might help people with schizophrenia lessen their symptoms and learn new thinking and problem-solving skills. All participants will receive a baseline evaluation of clinical, neurocognitive, and quality of life measures.Study Design
All participants will complete either computer-based training exercises or play control graphics-based computer games for 60 minutes per day, five days per week, for twelve weeks. (This is fun!) After these twelve weeks, participants will undergo a second evaluation of clinical, neurocognitive, and quality of life variables. They will have the option of continuing with a different type of training for another 12 weeks. After these twelve weeks, participants will undergo a third evaluation. Six months after completion of the intervention, each participant will be asked to return to the laboratory for a fourth evaluation of clinical, quality of life, and neurocognitive measures. End Date
12/1/2009Participant Requirements
Persons eligible:
- 18-60 years old
- diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- achieved clinical stability, defined as outpatient status for at least three months prior to study participation
- stable doses of psychiatric medications for at least one month prior to study participation
- in good general physical health
- use English as first language
Persons not eligible:
- history of neurological disorders
- using mood stabilizers and/or on antidepressants
- history of psychoactive substance abuse in the past six months
Payment
Participants may receive up to $735 for the first twelve weeks of participation that will include initial assessments, sessions of the computerized training program or the computer games, and final assessments. They may receive up to $735 for the second twelve weeks of participation. They will receive $60 for the 6-month follow-up.