Psychosis, Schizophrenia
Conditions
Keywords
Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Cognitive deficits
Brief summary
The aim of this project is to undertake a randomized placebo controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) that focuses on working memory training in a sample of community based patients with chronic schizophrenia or other psychoses. Cognitive deficits are a problem for many people with schizophrenia. This study will use computerized cognitive remediation training (which the participant can carry out at home) over a period of a few months.
Detailed description
The aim of this project is to undertake a randomized placebo controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) that focuses on working memory training in a sample of community based patients with schizophrenia. Pre and Post neuropsychological assessment and Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) will be used to determine the effects of CR training on 1. Neuropsychological performance 2. Brain Structure using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) 3. Brain function using functional MRI (fMRI) 4. Social and occupational functioning The cognitive remediation intervention is a computerised programme whose training level is dynamically varied to suit participants individual ability level. Motivation to learn and generalization to real world function are a particular focus of the intervention and are supported with ongoing therapist interaction in addition to personal training.
Interventions
OTHERCognitive Remediation Therapy
Computerised training undertaken for approximately 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 8 weeks
OTHERPlacebo comparator
Participant meets the therapist once per week but does not carry out the CRT intervention. (Participants are subsequently offered the chance to carry out the CRT intervention post study if they so wish).
Sponsors
Health Research Board, Ireland
University of Dublin, Trinity College
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Schizophrenia * History of Psychosis * Subjective difficulties with memory or concentration * Aged 18-60 Years
Exclusion criteria
* History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness * Substance misuse in the last 3 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline neuropsychological performance | Directly following study treatment period | A battery of neuropsychological tests will be used at baseline and the same tests used directly after the intervention to measure changes in attention and memory. Tests include Wechsler Adult intelligence scale-III, Wechsler Memory Scale-III, Stroop test, Wisconsin card sorting task and measures of spatial working memory. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change from baseline neuropsychological performance at 3 to 6 months post intervention | 3 to 6 months post study treatment period | A battery of neuropsychological tests will be used at baseline and the same tests used at 3 months post intervention to measure changes in attention and memory. Tests include Wechsler Adult intelligence scale-III, Wechsler Memory Scale-III, Stroop test, Wisconsin card sorting task and measures of spatial working memory. |
| Changes from baseline in brain activation during working memory testing | Directly post study treatment period | Changes from baseline in brain activation during working memory testing will be measured using fMRI |
| Change from baseline in grey matter volume | Directly following study treatment period | Changes in grey matter volume from baseline will be measured at 3 months post intervention using voxel based morphometry. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes in social and occupational functioning | Directly following study treatment period | Social and occupational function will be measured at baseline and the same tests used directly following intervention. Standardised measures will be used including ILS (Independent Living Scales) and the UCSD performance skills assessment brief version(UPSA-B) |
| Change from baseline in social and occupational functioning 3 to 6 months post intervention | 3 to 6 months post study treatment period | Social and occupational function will be measured at baseline and the same tests used directly following intervention. Standardised measures will be used including ILS (Independent Living Scales) and the UCSD performance skills assessment brief version(UPSA-B) |
Countries
Ireland
Contacts
Primary ContactApril H Hargreaves, PhD
Backup ContactRachael Dillon, Bsc
Outcome results
None listed