Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia

University of Dublin, Trinity College

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Psychosis; Schizophrenia

Treatments: Other: Cognitive Remediation Therapy; Other: Placebo comparator

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01903707

CRT001

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this project is to undertake a randomized placebo controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) that focuses on working memory training in a sample of community based patients with chronic schizophrenia or other psychoses.

Cognitive deficits are a problem for many people with schizophrenia. This study will use computerized cognitive remediation training (which the participant can carry out at home) over a period of a few months.

Full description

The aim of this project is to undertake a randomized placebo controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) that focuses on working memory training in a sample of community based patients with schizophrenia. Pre and Post neuropsychological assessment and Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) will be used to determine the effects of CR training on

1. Neuropsychological performance
2. Brain Structure using voxel-based morphometry (VBM)
3. Brain function using functional MRI (fMRI)
4. Social and occupational functioning

The cognitive remediation intervention is a computerised programme whose training level is dynamically varied to suit participants individual ability level. Motivation to learn and generalization to real world function are a particular focus of the intervention and are supported with ongoing therapist interaction in addition to personal training.

Enrollment: 80 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Schizophrenia
• History of Psychosis
• Subjective difficulties with memory or concentration
• Aged 18-60 Years

Exclusion criteria

• History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness
• Substance misuse in the last 3 months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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80 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Cognitive Remediation Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will undertake approximately 30 minutes of computerized CRT training for 8 weeks, 5 days per week. They will meet a therapist once per week to discuss any difficulties, help motivation.

Treatment:

Other: Cognitive Remediation Therapy

Placebo Comparator

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants will meet therapist once per week but will not undertake the Computerized Cognitive remediation training.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo comparator