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Home-Based Individualized Cognitive Stimulation (iCS) Therapy in Portuguese Psychiatric Patients: A Randomized
Susana I Justo-Henriques1, Enrique Pérez-Sáez2, Janessa O Carvalho3
1Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC), 3004-011 Coimbra, Portugal.
Brain Sciences
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) effectively improved cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in people with psychotic disorders. This home-based therapy addresses accessibility challenges for mental health treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive deficits are prevalent in psychotic disorders, hindering treatment access due to practical and environmental barriers.
- Home-based interventions, such as individual cognitive stimulation (iCS), offer a viable solution for individuals with accessibility challenges.
- iCS has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing cognitive functioning across diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a Portuguese individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) protocol in adults with psychotic disorders.
- To assess the impact of iCS on cognitive functioning, depression, quality of life, and functional abilities.
- To determine the feasibility and benefits of a home-based cognitive intervention for this clinical group.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a previously established Portuguese iCS protocol.
- Participants with psychotic disorders were randomized into an iCS intervention group or a control group.
- Cognitive, depressive, quality of life, and functional measures were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- The iCS intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive functioning compared to the control group.
- Participants receiving iCS also demonstrated significant reductions in depressive symptoms and enhancements in quality of life.
- Modest improvements were observed in functional activities for the iCS group.
Conclusions:
- Home-based individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) is an effective intervention for improving cognitive function and mental well-being in individuals with psychotic disorders.
- iCS protocols can successfully overcome accessibility barriers, offering a valuable therapeutic option for this population.
- This study contributes to the evidence base for iCS, supporting its wider application in clinical settings to enhance patient outcomes.
