Feasibility and effectiveness of a cognitive remediation programme with original computerised cognitive training and group intervention for schizophrenia: a multicentre randomised trial

ABSTRACT

Devising new methods to improve neurocognitive impairment through cognitive remediation is an important research goal. We developed an original computer programme termed the Japanese Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme for Schizophrenia (JCORES) that provides cognitive practice across a broad range of abilities. The current study examined for the first time whether a cognitive remediation programme, including both computerised cognitive training using JCORES and group intervention such as enhancing meta-cognition and teaching strategies, is more effective than treatment as usual for improving neurocognitive and social functioning. Sixty-two outpatients with schizophrenia were randomised to either a cognitive remediation group or a control group. Participants engaged in two computerised cognitive training sessions and one group meeting per week for 12 weeks. The average number of total sessions attended (computerised cognitive practice + group intervention) was 32.3 (89.7%). The cognitive remediation group showed significantly more improvements in verbal memory, composite score of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Japanese version (BACS-J), and general psychopathology on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) than the control group. These findings demonstrate that a cognitive remediation programme is feasible in Japan and is a more effective way to improve neurocognitive functioning and psychiatric symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• Schizophrenia
• cognitive remediation training
• randomised control trial
• original computer software
• JCORES

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the great contributions of the patients and their families who devoted their time and energy to this research.

We also acknowledge the contributions of the staff members at each of the seven sites: Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Akitsu Konoike Hospital, Manyo Clinic, Mitsuya Clinic, Hida Clinic, Build community welfare agency.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by KAKENHI (Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)) [grant number 25861024].