Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
The treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Donald C Goff1, Michele Hill, Deanna Barch
1The Schizophrenia Program, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA. goff@psych.mgh.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Cognitive deficits are major contributors to disability in schizophrenia. Many pharmacologic targets have been identified for cognitive enhancing agents, including receptors involved in dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmission. In addition, new approaches to drug development have been directed towards neuroprotection and the facilitation of neuroplasticity. While several pharmacologic agents and cognitive remediation have shown promise in early trials, no treatment has yet demonstrated efficacy in large replication trials. The experience with different pharmacologic targets is reviewed and methodologic issues are discussed with recommendations for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...