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A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation for a national cohort of forensic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Evidence is accumulating that Cognitive Remediation Training (CRT) is effective for ameliorating cognitive deficits experienced by patients with schizophrenia and accompanying functional impairment. There has been no randomized controlled trial of CRT using a nationally representative population of forensic patients, despite the significant cognitive deficits frequently present within this group. METHODS:Sixty-five patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled in a single blind randomized controlled trial of CRT versus treatment as usual (TAU); representing 94% of those eligible within a national forensic cohort. The primary outcome measure was the composite score of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Secondary outcome measures included neurocognitive and social cognitive domains, symptoms, and 'real world' functioning. Patient satisfaction was examined using an exit interview. Participants were reassessed at 8?months follow up. All data were analyzed using an intention to treat design (ITT). RESULTS:For the primary outcome measure, the MCCB composite score, there were significant differences between those who participated in CRT and those receiving TAU at both end of treatment and 8?months follow up (Cohen's d?=?0.34. Significant improvements were observed in visual and working memory. Mediation analysis found that those who cognitively benefited from CRT had corresponding improved functioning, and more net positive therapeutic moves i.e. moves to units with lower security within the hospital. Ninety-six percent believed their cognitive gains positively affected their daily lives. CONCLUSIONS:CRT may be an acceptable and efficacious intervention for forensic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02360813 . Trial registered Feb 4th 2015, last updated May 1st 2015.

SUBMITTER: O'Reilly K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6334394 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation for a national cohort of forensic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

O'Reilly Ken K Donohoe Gary G O'Sullivan Danny D Coyle Ciaran C Corvin Aiden A O'Flynn Padraic P O'Donnell Muireann M Galligan Toni T O'Connell Paul P Kennedy Harry G HG

BMC psychiatry 20190115 1

<h4>Background</h4>Evidence is accumulating that Cognitive Remediation Training (CRT) is effective for ameliorating cognitive deficits experienced by patients with schizophrenia and accompanying functional impairment. There has been no randomized controlled trial of CRT using a nationally representative population of forensic patients, despite the significant cognitive deficits frequently present within this group.<h4>Methods</h4>Sixty-five patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ...[more]

PMID: 30646884

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Evidence is accumulating that cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is an effective intervention for patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. To date there has been no randomised controlled trial (RCT) cohort study of cognitive remediation within a forensic hospital. The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a trial of cognitive remediation for forensic mental health patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. METHODS:An estimated sixty patients will be enrolled in the study. Participants will be randomised to one of two conditions: CRT with treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU. CRT will consist of 42 individual sessions and 14 group sessions. The primary outcome measure for this study is change in cognitive functioning using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Secondary outcomes include change in social and occupational functioning, disorganised symptoms, negative symptoms, violence, participation in psychosocial treatment and recovery. In addition to these effectiveness measures, we will examine patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION:Cognitive difficulties experienced by schizophrenia spectrum patients are associated with general functioning, ability to benefit from psychosocial interventions and quality of life. Research into the treatment of cognitive difficulties within a forensic setting is therefore an important priority. The results of the proposed study will help answer the question whether cognitive remediation improves functional outcomes in forensic mental health patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Forensic mental health patients are detained for the dual purpose of receiving treatment and for public protection. There can be conflict between these two roles perhaps causing forensic services to have an increased length of stay compared to general psychiatric admissions. Ultimately a focus on emphasising cognition and general functioning over symptoms may decrease tension between the core responsibilities of forensic mental health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02360813. Trial registered Feb 4th 2015 and last updated May 1(st) 2015.

Project description:Abstract Background Cognitive remediation (CR) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Although the effectiveness of CR is well stablished, its effects are modest, especially in terms of functional outcome. There is an emerging literature suggesting that adding aerobic exercise to CR may exert synergistic effects. Despite these promising reports, the extent to which aerobic exercise in combination with CRT can improve cognitive and daily functioning in multiepisode schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder remains unclear. Methods This is a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial (NCT02864576) with two different groups: 1) patients with multiepisode schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving 3-month Aerobic exercise plus CR treatment (three weekly sessions, 40min of Aerobic exercise and 90min of CR), and 2) patients with multiepisode schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving Healthy lifestyle promotion plus CR treatment (three weekly sessions, 40min of Healthy lifestyle promotion and 90min of CR). Primary outcome measures were the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), which were assessed (among others) at baseline and immediately after treatment. For the present work, the sample included in the analysis were 34 patients for whom cognitive data were available. Treatment effects on neurocognition and functional outcome were analyzed by applying the multivariate general linear model (GLM) repeated measures. Results After treatment, both groups exhibited a significant improvement in MCCB visual learning memory (F=14.298, p= 0.001), working memory (F=6.626, p= 0.015) and speed of processing (F=16.344, p= 0.001) domains. However, no significant benefits were evidenced for problem solving (F=2.143, p= 0.153), verbal learning memory (F= 0.321, p= 0.575) and attention/vigilance (F=0.740, p= 0.397) domains. Functional outcome, as measured by the GAF, was more improved in the Aerobic exercise plus CR group than in the Healthy lifestyle promotion plus CR group (F=4.248, p= 0.047). Discussion Our preliminary findings indicate that combining aerobic exercise with cognitive remediation may promote a large impact on functional outcome in patients with multiepisode schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Dataset Information

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation for a national cohort of forensic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Publications

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation for a national cohort of forensic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

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