Complex Problem Solving Training in Schizophrenic Patients

Complex Problem Solving Training in Schizophrenic Patients

The primary purpose of the study is to assess whether a planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving work therapy performance in patients with schizophrenia than traditional training programs addressing basic cognitive functions.

In patients with schizophrenia, cognitive deficits often lead to an impairment in daily life. This observation has led to the development of cognitive training packages aiming a improving these deficits. However, it is far from clear which level of cognitive functioning provides the best target for cognitive interventions. Traditionally, training has aimed a basic cognitive functions like attention and memory. In the present study we aim at a higher-level of function, namely planning and problem-solving skills, which are trained using the software package Plan-A-Day. The primary hypothesis is that complex problem solving training improved functional capacity more than traditional training programs addressing basic cognitive function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with schizophrenic or schizoaffective Disorder (DSM IV)
• Remitted positive symptoms (PANSS positive all ≤ 4), clinical stability
• Native German speaker
• Verbal IQ > 80
• Visual acuity normal or corrected to normal

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent Axis-I disorder
• Drug abuse during last 2 months
• Neurological or medical conditions potentially affecting cognition