Predictors for improvement of problem-solving during cognitive remediation for patients with Schizophrenia.

Cognitive remediation is a promising pathway for ameliorating cognitive impairment of patients with schizophrenia. Here, we investigate predictors of improvement in problem-solving ability for two different types of cognitive remediation - specific problem-solving training and training of basic cognition. For this purpose we conducted a re-analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing these two training approaches.

Temporal variability and spatial diffusion of the N2 event-related potential in high-functioning patients with schizophrenia.

Recent theories of schizophrenia have proposed a fundamental instability of information processing on a neurophysiological level, which can be measured as an increase in latency variability of event-related potentials (ERPs). If this reflects a fundamental deficit of the schizophrenic illness, it should also occur in high-functioning patients. These patients have also been observed to show a more diffuse activation pattern in neuroimaging studies, which is thought to reflect compensatory processes to maintain task performance.

Planning and problem-solving training for patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess whether planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving functional capacity in patients with schizophrenia than a training program addressing basic cognitive functions.

Methods: Eighty-nine patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned either to a computer assisted training of planning and problem-solving or a training of basic cognition. Outcome variables included planning and problem-solving ability as well as functional capacity, which represents a proxy measure for functional outcome.

The Plan-a-Day approach to measuring planning ability in patients with schizophrenia.

Deficits in executive functioning are closely related to the level of everyday functioning in patients with schizophrenia. However, many existing neuropsychological measures are limited in their ability to predict functional outcome. To contribute towards closing this gap, we developed a computer-based test of planning ability ("Plan-a-Day") that requires participants to create daily activity schedules in a simulated work setting.