Cited by 1,693Schizophrenia research and treatmentDementia and Cognitive Impairment ResearchCognitive Functions and Memory

A Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Remediation for Schizophrenia: Methodology and Effect Sizes

Wykes, Til, Huddy, Vyv, Cellard, Caroline, McGurk, Susan R., Czobor, Pál·2011·American Journal of Psychiatry

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive remediation therapy for schizophrenia was developed to treat cognitive problems that affect functioning, but the treatment effects may depend on the type of trial methodology adopted. The present meta-analysis will determine the effects of treatment and whether study method or potential moderators influence the estimates. METHOD: Electronic databases were searched up to June 2009 using variants of the key words "cognitive," "training," "remediation," "clinical trial," and "schizophrenia." Key researchers were contacted to ensure that all studies meeting the criteria were included. This produced 109 reports of 40 studies in which ≥70% of participants had a diagnosis of schizophrenia, all of whom received standard care. There was a comparison group and allocation procedure in these studies. Data were available to calculate effect sizes on cognition and/or functioning. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers with excellent reliability. Methodological moderators were extracted through the Clinical Trials Assessment Measure and verified by authors in 94% of cases. RESULTS: The meta-analysis (2,104 participants) yielded durable effects on global cognition and functioning. The symptom effect was small and disappeared at follow-up assessment. No treatment element (remediation approach, duration, computer use, etc.) was associated with cognitive outcome. Cognitive remediation therapy was more effective when patients were clinically stable. Significantly stronger effects on functioning were found when cognitive remediation therapy was provided together with other psychiatric rehabilitation, and a much larger effect was present when a strategic approach was adopted together with adjunctive rehabilitation. Despite variability in methodological rigor, this did not moderate any of the therapy effects, and even in the most rigorous studies there were similar small-to-moderate effects. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive remediation benefits people with schizophrenia, and when combined with psychiatric rehabilitation, this benefit generalizes to functioning, relative to rehabilitation alone. These benefits cannot be attributed to poor study methods.

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Crossref · 10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10060855

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  • Combining neurocognitive interventions with evidence-based psychosocial skill-based interventions for schizophrenia leads to greater transfer of effects to functional outcomes that persists over time.

    “when neurocognitive interventions are combined with evidence-based psychosocial skill-based interventions (e.g., vocational therapy), there appears to be greater transfer of effects to functional outcomes for adults with schizophrenia that persists over time (McGurk et al., 2007; Wykes, Huddy, Cellard, McGurk, & Czobor, 2011).”

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Authors
Wykes, T., Huddy, V., Cellard, C., McGurk, S. R., & Czobor, P.
Affiliations
Semmelweis University (HU)
Venue
American Journal of Psychiatry
Published
2011-05
Volume
168
Issue
5
Pages
472-485
ISSN
  • 0002-953X (ISSN-L)
  • 1535-7228
OpenAlex
W2139700465
Cited by
1,693
References
85
Citations by year
2026: 60 · 2025: 57 · 2024: 90 · 2023: 68 · 2022: 99 · 2021: 102 · 2020: 132 · 2019: 175 · 2018: 128 · 2017: 142 · 2016: 152 · 2015: 140 · 2014: 108 · 2013: 124 · 2012: 96
FWCI
14.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • American Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
  • Research Portal (King's College London) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Functions and Memory
Keywords
cognitive remediation, schizophrenia, cognitive impairment, functional outcome, psychiatric rehabilitation, methodological quality, treatment effects, clinical stability
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Clinical Trials as Topic, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Schizophrenia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Sample Size, Young Adult

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