The aim of the study is to examine whether the efficacy of psychoeducation in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders is dependent on their cognitive performance level and if a preceding cognitive training can enhance the therapeutic effects of psychoeducation

Schizophrenic inpatients are examined shortly after admission with a broad battery of clinical and neurological rating scales and neuropsychological tests. They are then randomized to either standard treatment (including antipsychotic medications, art and occupational therapy, psychotherapy) or to standard treatment plus daily computerbased cognitive training (COGPACK; ten 1-hour sessions over two weeks). After repetition of the broad assessment battery all patients (and some of their family members) take part in a bifocal psychoeducation group program (eight 1-hour sessions over four weeks). Specific pre-post measures are illness knowledge, self and expert ratings of adherence to treatment, insight to the illness, treatment satisfaction. The study also includes a 9-month follow-up, with number of rehospitalizations, days in hospital and psychopathology as the primary outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inpatients
• Informed consent
• German as first language or very good knowledge of German

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mental retardation
• Any serious somatic illness