BACKGROUND: This paper investigates the durability of the effects of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT). In a randomised control trial, CRT was compared with a control therapy (intensive occupational therapy activities), matched for length of therapist contact. The main three cognitive outcomes, (i) number of categories achieved on the Wisconsin Card Sort Test, (ii) age-scaled score on the Digit Span subtest of the WAIS-R, and (iii) mean number of moves on the Tower of London test, were chosen because they are known to be problematic in @entity161 . In addition, a wide variety of other outcomes (symptoms, social functioning, self-esteem and cognition) were assessed. At the end of treatment, CRT conferred a benefit to @entity1 with @entity161 in cognition and self-esteem [Schizophr. Bull. 25 (1999) 291]. This study investigates these outcomes 6 months after the therapies were withdrawn. METHOD: @entity1 were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and 6-month follow-up (n=17 for the CRT group; n=16 for the control therapy group). In addition to the functioning measures, data on use of services and cost of therapy were collected. RESULTS: The effects of CRT on cognition were still apparent at follow-up, particularly in the memory domain. When these cognitive improvements reached a criterion threshold, there were also improvements in social behaviour and symptoms. The gains made in self-esteem disappeared following the withdrawal of therapy. The economic analysis showed overall reductions in the care packages of both @entity1 groups but there was a significant increase in day-care costs for @entity1 who have received CRT. This additional use of day care may confer further advantages to the CRT group, such as improved social functioning and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results of this first trial of a novel CRT approach have produced encouraging results which merit further investigation.

Are the effects of cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) durable? Results from an exploratory trial in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient', 'Participants', 'people'] @entity161 :: ('MESH:D012559', 'Disease') :: ['schizophrenia']
@entity161 :: (MESH:D012559,Disease) :: ['schizophrenia']
