Cognitive remediation is an evidence-based treatment for addressing cognitive impairment and associated functioning difficulties in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. This evidence comes from several decades of research involving randomized controlled trials within different treatment settings around the world. Despite this evidence, the availability of cognitive remediation in standard clinical practice remains scarce, with elucidation of the barriers to access and engagement needed. Furthermore, the mechanisms of treatment effect remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the relationship between cognitive improvement and functional gains. It also remains unclear which individuals are likely to respond best to cognitive remediation and when adjunctive or alternative therapies are warranted.
The aim of this Research Topic is to advance the field of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses, to increase its availability in real-world clinical settings around the world and to ensure it is delivered to individuals most likely to benefit. To achieve this, a number of research advances are needed, including:
• the application of implementations science methodology
• the involvement of key knowledge users in research (people with lived experience, caregivers, clinicians, service managers, policy makers)
• hypothesis-driven studies that examine the mechanisms of effect
• investigation of adjunctive therapies
• different modes of delivery
• therapist contact
• sequencing of therapies.
We welcome all types of research methodology including, but not limited to, implementation science, observational studies, clinical trials, pilot studies, and in-depth qualitative studies in the following areas:
• new methods of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia
• studies comparing the efficacy of different methods of cognitive remediation for schizophrenia
• studies combining cognitive remediation with other therapies such as exercise, yoga, brain stimulation, etc.
• cognitive remediation in specific patient populations, including in low-resource settings
• implementation of cognitive remediation in real-world clinics
• the use of digital technology - such as virtual reality - to deliver cognitive remediation
• studies examining the mechanisms of action of cognitive remediation
• studies examining the heterogeneity of treatment effects, to better understand who is likely to benefit most from cognitive remediation
• examination of various stakeholder perspectives, including people with lived experience, clinicians, family members, service leaders, and policy makers
• co-production of cognitive remediation involving end users
• studies with economic modelling of cognitive remediation
• improved understanding of the barriers to access and engagement with cognitive remediation.
Cognitive remediation is an evidence-based treatment for addressing cognitive impairment and associated functioning difficulties in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. This evidence comes from several decades of research involving randomized controlled trials within different treatment settings around the world. Despite this evidence, the availability of cognitive remediation in standard clinical practice remains scarce, with elucidation of the barriers to access and engagement needed. Furthermore, the mechanisms of treatment effect remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the relationship between cognitive improvement and functional gains. It also remains unclear which individuals are likely to respond best to cognitive remediation and when adjunctive or alternative therapies are warranted.
The aim of this Research Topic is to advance the field of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses, to increase its availability in real-world clinical settings around the world and to ensure it is delivered to individuals most likely to benefit. To achieve this, a number of research advances are needed, including:
• the application of implementations science methodology
• the involvement of key knowledge users in research (people with lived experience, caregivers, clinicians, service managers, policy makers)
• hypothesis-driven studies that examine the mechanisms of effect
• investigation of adjunctive therapies
• different modes of delivery
• therapist contact
• sequencing of therapies.
We welcome all types of research methodology including, but not limited to, implementation science, observational studies, clinical trials, pilot studies, and in-depth qualitative studies in the following areas:
• new methods of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia
• studies comparing the efficacy of different methods of cognitive remediation for schizophrenia
• studies combining cognitive remediation with other therapies such as exercise, yoga, brain stimulation, etc.
• cognitive remediation in specific patient populations, including in low-resource settings
• implementation of cognitive remediation in real-world clinics
• the use of digital technology - such as virtual reality - to deliver cognitive remediation
• studies examining the mechanisms of action of cognitive remediation
• studies examining the heterogeneity of treatment effects, to better understand who is likely to benefit most from cognitive remediation
• examination of various stakeholder perspectives, including people with lived experience, clinicians, family members, service leaders, and policy makers
• co-production of cognitive remediation involving end users
• studies with economic modelling of cognitive remediation
• improved understanding of the barriers to access and engagement with cognitive remediation.