The effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training program in improving cognitive abilities of schizophrenia clients.

• Main Authors: Mohammad Reza Mohammadi, Zahra Keshavarzi, Siavash Talepasand
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2014-12-01
• Series: Iranian Journal of Psychiatry
• Subjects: Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation; Rehacom Software and Executive Function; Schizophrenia
• Online Access: https://ijps.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijps/article/view/58

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a computer - based training program of attention, memory and executive functions in enhancing neuropsychological performances as well as functional outcome in clients with schizophrenia.A total of 15 clinically stable out patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for schizophrenia, diagnosed with different types of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, residual, based on DSM- IV-TR were selected to participate in this study. All patients were randomly selected using a conventional sampling method and assigned to 60 hours individual sessions of computer - assisted cognitive remediation (CACR).This was a pre- experimental study with pretest and posttest in a single group. Cognitive functions were checked with Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Wds) and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). The symptoms of patients were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Remediation was performed utilizing the Rehacome® software. Patients received the cognitive remediation program including attention, concentration and working memory. All participants were followed up after an interval of one month and three months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis.After 3 months, the findings showed that patients' scores improved in the time factor. Also, a significant improvement favoring cognitive remediation was found in several cognitive measures including Reaction Time (F = 4015p