Group cognitive remediation therapy for chronic schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Individual cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is established for cognitive and social benefits.
• The efficacy of group-based CRT in Chinese schizophrenia populations requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of group-based CRT compared to Musical and Dancing Therapy (MDT) in Chinese schizophrenia inpatients.
• To assess the impact of CRT on cognitive function, social functioning, and clinical symptoms.

Main Methods:

• 104 inpatients were randomized into either 40 sessions of small-group CRT or MDT.
• Cognitive function, clinical symptoms (using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), and social function (using Nurse's Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation-30) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The CRT group demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and memory compared to the MDT group.
• CRT also led to significant improvements in several social functioning domains, which were not observed in the MDT group.
• Cognitive improvements positively correlated with social function improvements.

Conclusions:

• Group-based CRT is an effective and promising therapeutic approach for improving cognitive and social functions in Chinese schizophrenia patients.
• CRT offers a valuable intervention for enhancing overall recovery and quality of life in this population.