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New Developments in Schizophrenia
The National Institutes of Mental Health has spearheaded the MATRICS (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) study since 2003. One of the projects under way is identifying domains of cognition that should be targeted for therapy and what types of treatment would be most effective. They will be used as the basis of clinical trials investigating agents to enhance cognition in schizophrenia. The seven domains that have been identified thus far include:
- speed of processing information
- attention and vigilance
- working memory
- verbal learning and memory
- visual learning and memory
- reasoning and problem solving
- social cognition
There is extensive research underway to establish the existence of and identify the link between brain chemistry and schizophrenia. One area of this investigation is in the area of blockading the dopamine D2 system (a brain neurotransmitter).
Studies continue in an effort to identify which type of therapy is most effective for treating cognitive dysfunction. Medication has a limited effect and scientists are hoping that targeted cognitive/behavioral interventions may provide more success.
Information about clinical trials for new treatments of schizophrenia can be viewed at: http://www.centerwatch.com or at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
