Cognitive Remediation for Schizophrenia with Focus on NEAR

No Effects of Cognitive Remediation on Cerebral White Matter in Individuals at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis—A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…integrative versus simple programs, or compensatory versus restorative remediation approaches) may support the clinical tailoring of treatment strategies. The clinical perspectives includes enhancement of motivation and attendance (21,59), as well as the question of whether this comprehensive treatment may only be viable for the subgroup of UHR individuals who can be engaged sufficiently to practice the skills in the recommended dosage. Exploratory analyses revealed mental flexibility to be correlated with a change of left medial lemniscus AD in the cognitive remediation group, but not in the TAU-group.…”

“…Cognitive remediation is a structured method of cognitive training, which is defined as "a behavioral training-based intervention that aims at improving cognitive processes (attention, memory, executive function, social cognition or metacognition) with the goal of durability and generalisation" (20). Thus, cognitive remediation targets selected cognitive domains and explicitly aims to improve social and neurocognitive functions in a manner that impacts real life functioning (21). There is meta-analytic evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia, with medium effect-sizes on global cognition and functional outcome (22), and the effects appear durable (20).…”

The Implementation and Review of Cognitive Remediation Training for First Episode Psychosis in Singapore

“…There is also emphasis on patients to recognise the socio-emotional context of this approach and how it affects cognitive function ( 34 ). This can be done by organising group sessions that allow patients to interact with others and hone cognitive skills collectively ( 35 ). NEAR has shown to improve cognitive functions, namely processing speed ( 36 ), attention ( 37 ), and immediate learning and memory ( 38 ).…”

“…Bridging sessions are also a core component where patients discuss about the game and strategies they employ, and these are contextualised to their role and real-life situations. This not only facilitates social interaction amongst patients and the OT, but also transferability of skills learnt in sessions to real life situations ( 35 ). During and after each session, patients are required to record their own progress, by noting down what the activity involved and how they performed.…”

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Full Scale IQ of Male Admissions to a High Secure Psychiatric Hospital Over Six Decades

“…The presence of high levels of cognitive dysfunction among admissions to HSPC as reflected by low levels of general intellectual functioning and notably processing speed difficulties suggest the consideration of an individual's cognitive functioning remains important. As well as all clinical staff making reasonable adjustments and adaptations to everyday procedures to minimise the effects of any cognitive dysfunction, specific application and evaluation of cognitive remediation interventions for those who might benefit from targeting cognitive problems is required, especially those directed at processing speed (Mogami, 2018). Many of the conventional interventions and risk management protocols offered in HSPC and beyond may also require specific adaptations to either compensate for or develop processing speed difficulties.…”