Methods for treating cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

Studies from the molecular to clinical level suggest that cognitive dysfunction is central in characterizing schizophrenia. Accordingly, there have been increased efforts to search for effective treatments of these broad and debilitating cognitive deficits. Three general strategies for treating cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia have emerged in the literature. The second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medications have received much attention but their procognitive effects tend to be modest. Augmentation strategies, driven from basic science or translational research, have often been promising in small uncontrolled trials; however, few agents have fared well in rigorously designed trials. Behavioral interventions have demonstrated positive effects that generalize to other symptom domains and persist after the intervention, but tend to be costly and labor intensive. Thus, although there have been some exciting advances in treating cognitive dysfunction, the gains to date are modest and the search for treatment methods continues.