Investigation of cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia

An investigation of cognitive remediation for people with schizophrenia.



Funding year: 2007



Amount funded: $22,043



Lead researcher:
Dr Barbara Mann, Teachers Certificate, BA(Hons), PhD



Research team:
Dr Karen Sullivan BA(Hons), PhD
Professor Ross Young BSc(Hons), Diploma of Clinical Psychology, PhD
Lee Beames BA(Hons), Mapp.Psych



Location of research:
Queensland University of Technology & Pine Rivers Community Care Unit, Strathpine



Project description:
Schizophrenia is associated with disordered cognitive functioning in varying domains including attention, memory and executive functioning (organising and planning). The cognitive deficits have been linked with social functioning, symptomatology (predominantly negative symptoms) and adaptive functioning.

The Frontal Executive Program (FEP) has demonstrated efficacy in improving cognitive functioning, social functioning and symptomatology. The gains associated with FEP are durable over six months and training with the FEP is associated with changes in brain activation in regions associated with working memory. Because the FEP has not been trialled with individuals with comorbid diagnoses or with a history of traumatic head injury, the aim of this project is to investigate the efficacy of the FEP in people with schizophrenia who have complex presentations. The FEP is a 40-session program consisting of a series of pen and paper tasks that can be tailored to the level of individual, and that gradually increases in difficulty.