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Normal neurocognitive performance after extended practice in patients with schizophrenia
B E Wexler1, K A Hawkins, B Rounsaville
1Yale Department of Psychiatry, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven 06519, USA.
Schizophrenia Research
|August 29, 1997
Summary
Patients with schizophrenia showed significant neurocognitive improvements after practicing tasks, suggesting enhanced potential for cognitive enhancement and employment opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia is often associated with significant neurocognitive deficits.
- Current understanding may underestimate the potential for cognitive improvement in these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate novel methods for enhancing neurocognitive performance in schizophrenia patients.
- To assess the potential for implicit learning and sustained improvement.
Main Methods:
- 22 schizophrenia patients engaged in 10 weeks of gradually difficulty-adjusted perceptual, memory, and motor task practice.
- Performance-based incentives were provided without direct coaching.
- A control group of 5 healthy individuals performed tasks at advanced difficulty levels.
Main Results:
- 16 patients matched or exceeded control performance on perceptual and memory tasks.
- 11 patients achieved performance within the control range for motor tasks.
- Half of the patients maintained enhanced performance 6 months post-training.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia patients demonstrate substantial capacity for neurocognitive improvement through structured practice.
- These findings suggest a greater potential for cognitive rehabilitation and vocational outcomes than typically recognized.