Description

This 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 eight weeks. (This is fun!) After these eight 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 8 weeks. After these 8 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

12/1/2013

Principal Investigators

Sophia Vinogradov, MD

Participant 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 $800 for the 20 weeks of participation that will include initial assessments, sessions of the computerized training program or the computer games, and final assessments.

Contact Info

Coleman Garrett
Coleman.Garrett@va.gov
415-221-4810x5488