Cognitive remediation therapy in adolescents with early-onset schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial

Cognitive impairment is an enduring and functionally relevant feature of early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) improves cognition and functional outcome in adults with schizophrenia, although data in adolescents with EOS remain scarce. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of CRT in improving cognition and functional outcomes in a sample of symptomatically stable but cognitively disabled adolescents with EOS.

We performed a randomized, controlled trial of individually delivered CRT plus treatment-as-usual compared with treatment-as-usual (TAU). Fifty adolescents with EOS were randomly assigned to receive CRT (n = 25) or TAU (n = 25) and were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. Clinical symptoms and cognitive and functional performance were assessed before and after treatment in both groups and after 3 months in the CRT group. Cognitive domains were defined according to the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) consensus battery and averaged in a global cognitive composite score.

After CRT, significant improvements were found in verbal memory and executive functions, with medium-to-large effect sizes (ES). The derived cognitive composite score showed an improvement after the treatment, with a large ES. This change was reliable in more than two-thirds of the treated patients. Medium-sized ES were found for improvements after CRT in daily living and adaptive functioning, whereas large ES were observed for improvements in family burden. With the exception of functional gains, these changes were maintained after 3 months.

CRT appears to be a useful intervention strategy for adolescents with EOS. Cognitive improvements can be achieved through CRT, although further research is warranted to determine the durability of functional gains. Clinical trial registration information-Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) in Adolescents With EOS; www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01701609.