Elsevier

Schizophrenia Research

Volume 215, January 2020, Pages 49-53
Schizophrenia Research

Cognitive remediation for schizophrenia: An expert working group white paper on core techniques

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2019.10.047Get rights and content

Abstract

Cognitive remediation is now widely recognized as an effective treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Its effects are meaningful, durable, and related to improvements in everyday functional outcomes. As with many therapies, the evolution of cognitive remediation has resulted in treatment programs that use a variety of specific techniques, yet share common core principles. This paper is the product of a cognitive remediation expert working group consensus meeting to identify core features of the treatment and produce recommendations for its design, conduct, reporting, and implementation. Four techniques were identified as core features of cognitive remediation: facilitation by a therapist, cognitive exercise, procedures to develop problem-solving strategies, and procedures to facilitate transfer to real world functioning. Treatment techniques within each of these core features are presented to facilitate decisions for clinical trials and implementation in clinical settings.

Section snippets

Components of cognitive remediation programs

The working group process included a half-day in-person meeting to identify core features of cognitive remediation, followed by contributions by all authors to the value of each of the procedures in boldface below and revisions to the manuscript. The working group identified four components of cognitive remediation: a trained therapist, the practice of cognitive exercises, attention to the development of cognitive strategies, and procedures to facilitate transfer of cognitive gains to everyday

Summary

Cognitive remediation for schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses have evolved considerably over the last few decades. While there continue to be some differences across programs, this working group identified core elements that unite them under the description of cognitive remediation. These core elements include facilitation by a therapist, practicing cognitive exercises, facilitation of cognitive and problem solving strategies, and including techniques or activities that promote the

Role of the funding source

N/A.

Contributors

All authors contributed to the manuscript through writing or edits.

Declaration of competing interest

CR Bowie has received in-kind research accounts from Scientific Brain Training Pro.

T Wykes Wykes is one of the creators of CIRCuiTS but does not receive any financial rewards for this IP.

Acknowledgements

Til Wykes would like to acknowledge support from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London and her NIHR Senior Investigator Award.

References (27)

  • C.R. Bowie et al.

    Action-based cognitive remediation for individuals with serious mental illnesses: effects of real-world simulations and goal setting on functional and vocational outcomes

    Psychiatr. Rehabil. J.

    (2017)
  • C.R. Bowie et al.

    Addressing cognitive distortions, dysfunctional attitudes, and low engagement in cognitive remediation

  • C.R. Bowie et al.

    Combined cognitive remediation and functional skills training for schizophrenia: effects on cognition, functional competence, and real-world behavior

    Am. J. Psychiatry

    (2012)
  • Cited by (116)

    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text