Treatment of Schizophrenia

Treatment for Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Typical antipsychotics, while highly effective for positive symptoms, are usually not effective for cognitive symptoms and, indeed, may exacerbate the condition. Atypical or second generation antipsychotics are more effective for cognitive deficits but a comparison to determine the most effective drug in this class has not been studied. In addition, while atypical antipsychotics may improve cognitive deficits, they are not effective in improving cognitive functioning. For this reason, cognitive behavioral therapy which has significant beneficial effect on cognitive dysfunction is a widely used treatment for schizophrenic patients with cognitive deficits.

A new therapy that is being investigated is cognitive remediation or cognitive enhancement. The objective is the acquisition of cognitive skills. The treatment consists of computerized cognitive exercises of increasing difficulty and focuses on areas of impairment (e.g., attention, memory, executive function). There are typically 2-6 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Cognitive training together with medication seems to be a promising intervention for cognitive deficits.