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A new generation computerised metacognitive cognitive remediation programme for schizophrenia (CIRCuiTS): a randomised controlled trial

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Version 2 2023-06-12, 07:27
Version 1 2023-06-09, 15:29
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 07:27 authored by C Reeder, V Huddy, M Cella, R Taylor, Kathryn GreenwoodKathryn Greenwood, S Landau, T Wykes
Background: Cognitive remediation (CR) is a psychological therapy which improves cognitive and social functioning in people with schizophrenia. It is now being implemented within routine clinical services and mechanisms of change are being explored. We designed a new generation computerised CR programme, CIRCuiTS, to enhance strategic and metacognitive processing, with an integrated focus on the transfer of cognitive skills to daily living. This large trial tested its feasibility to be delivered in therapist-led and independent sessions, and its efficacy for improved cognitive and social functioning. Methods: A two arm single blind randomised superiority trial comparing CIRCuiTS plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) with TAU alone in 93 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Cognitive, social functioning and symptom outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-therapy and three months later. Results: 85% adhered to CIRCuiTS, completing a median of 28 sessions. There were significant improvements in visual memory at post-treatment (p=0.009) and follow-up (p=0.001), and a trend for improvements in executive function at post-treatment (p=0.056) in favour of the CIRCuiTS group. Community function was also differentially and significantly improved in the CIRCuiTS group at post-treatment (p=0.003) but not follow-up, and was specifically predicted by improved executive functions. Conclusions: CIRCuiTS was beneficial for improving memory and social functioning. Improved executive functioning emerges as a consistent predictor of functional gains and should be considered an important CR target to achieve functional change. A larger-scale effectiveness trial of CIRCuiTS is now indicated.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Psychological Medicine

ISSN

0033-2917

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Issue

15

Volume

47

Page range

2720-2730

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-10-15

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-10-15

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-10-12

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