Is Cognitive Training an Option?
Condition: Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective; Cognition
MeSH terms: Schizophrenia
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The purpose of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing cognitive training
      with 40 patients living with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The study aims to
      explore if cognitive training as an intervention can improve cognition, symptomology, social
      cognition, and psychosocial function which has been determined through literature to be
      impacted within this population. The results of this study will help shed light on utilizing
      additional resources to aid in decreasing relapse and continued hospitalizations.
    

Detailed description: 
      After being selected for this study based on a screening survey, participants will be asked
      to fill out a demographic questionnaire, the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale - Brief
      Version (MSS-B), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Davos Assessment of Cognitive
      Biases Scale (DACOBS), and the Illness Management and Recovery Scale - Consumer Self-Rating,
      IMRS. The measurements evaluate different aspects of severe mental illness which are often
      challenges. This will take approximately: the screener questionnaire (2-3 minutes),
      demographic questionnaire (3-5 minutes), MSS-B (38 questions: 10-15 minutes), MoCA (10-15
      minutes), DACOBS (42 questions: 15-20 minutes), and IMS (15 questions: 5 to 15 minutes)-
      Total Maximum Time is 63 minutes. After all, measurements are completed, the participants
      will be introduced to the BrainHQ program the following week. The participants will begin the
      selected cognitive training module 3 times a week (Mon, Wed, and Fri), 60 minutes per session
      for a total of 180 minutes per week. The participants will have a total of 24 sessions over
      the course of 8 weeks, for a total of 1,440 minutes of cognitive training over the course of
      this feasibility study. A process questionnaire on the acceptability/ feasibility of the
      cognitive training program will be administered after the first session, then the middle
      progress point (4th week), and at the end of the program (8th week) (2-3 minutes). Upon
      completion of the cognitive training, the participants will retake each measurement (MSS-B,
      MoCA, DACOBS, and IMRS)-Total Maximum Time is 55 minutes. There is minimal to no risk in this
      study. Participants will continue their prescribed treatment plan with the addition of the
      cognitive training which is computerized and takes the form of simulated games with an
      attended purpose. Participants will continue to be monitored by their providers and staff
      will continue to evaluate participants for changes in baseline behavior on a daily basis
      during the course of the study. The plan analysis for this study will be a MANOVA and
      Correlations. Confidentiality of research records and data will be protected in accordance
      with the Alliant International University Institutional Review Boards policies, and
      procedures.
    

Intervention name(s): Cognitive Training
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Computer-Based Cognitive Training from BrainHQ (Posit Science)
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Intervention model description: Pre-test/post-test pre-experimental design with convenience and snowball sampling.
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective; Cognition; Social Cognition; Psychosocial Function