Remediation of Working Memory in Schizophrenia
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Purpose
The primary aim of the study is to test the efficacy of a novel cognitive remediation intervention that targets working memory-related functions. To accomplish this goal, 80 volunteer patients with schizophrenia will be enrolled and randomized to either a cognitive remediation condition that targets working memory or a computer skills training intervention that teaches computer applications. In both conditions participants will receive computer training three times a week for 4 months. The investigators hypothesize that patients who receive the cognitive remediation intervention will demonstrate significantly greater change on neuropsychological measures of working memory and executive abilities than patients who receive the computer skills course. In addition, the investigators hypothesize that the intervention-induced cognitive change will be associated with concurrent improvements in functional capacity and psychosocial functioning in the community. A second study goal is to examine the stability of the intervention-induced changes in cognition. Cognition and psychosocial functioning will be reassessed 4 and 8 months after treatment termination to examine the stability of treatment effects and to assess whether a less intense maintenance training (once a week sessions) provides any additional benefit to participants. Lastly, this study will examine in an exploratory manner whether there are individual differences in treatment response. The Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene has been found to be associated with working memory and prefrontal dysfunction in schizophrenia. The study will test whether the COMT polymorphism is predictive of response to cognitive remediation.
| Condition | Intervention |
|---|---|
|
Schizophrenia Schizoaffective Disorder |
Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation Behavioral: Computer Skills |
| Study Type: | Interventional |
| Study Design: | Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Treatment |
| Official Title: | Remediation of Working Memory in Schizophrenia |
- Cognitive Assessment - MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and N-back tasks [ Time Frame: Pre-and Post-intervention and 4 and 8-month follow-up ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
- Functional Capacity - University of California, San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment and Social Skills Performance Assessment Community Functioning - Social Functioning Scale [ Time Frame: Pre-and Post-intervention and 4 and 8-month follow-up ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
| Estimated Enrollment: | 80 |
| Study Start Date: | January 2010 |
| Estimated Study Completion Date: | December 2015 |
| Estimated Primary Completion Date: | April 2015 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure) |
| Arms | Assigned Interventions |
|---|---|
|
Experimental: Cognitive Remediation
A 48-session working memory focused cognitive remediation program is conducted. Training tasks have been selected from 3 software programs, PSS CogRehab, BrainTrain, and custom made N-back tasks.
|
Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation
This is an adaptive, computer-based cognitive training intervention. Participants will complete 3 1-hour cognitive training sessions focused on attention and working memory processes weekly for 4 months.
|
|
Placebo Comparator: Computer Skills
This is a 48-session, time matched comparison group in which participants practice keyboarding skills and the fundamentals of Microsoft Office Word, Powerpoint, and Excel programs.
|
Behavioral: Computer Skills
This is a computer-based course in which participants will be taught how to use Microsoft Office applications and typing skills. Participants will attend a 1-hour course three times a week four 4-months.
|
Eligibility| Ages Eligible for Study: | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Genders Eligible for Study: | Both |
| Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Inclusion Criteria:
- Veterans with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- No hospitalizations in the previous 4 weeks
- No antipsychotic medication changes in the previous 4 weeks
- Age 18-60
- Does not meet DSM-IV criteria for substance dependence in the previous 6 months or substance abuse in the previous month
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of clinically significant head injury or neurological disease
- Poor comprehension of the English language
- History of diagnosis of mental retardation or pervasive developmental disorder
- Unable to give informed consent
Contacts and LocationsPlease refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00995553
| United States, Minnesota | |
| Minneapolis VA Medical Center | |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55417 | |
| Principal Investigator: | Tasha M Nienow, PhD | Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center |
More Information
No publications provided
| Responsible Party: | Tasha Nienow, Psychologist, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00995553 History of Changes |
| Other Study ID Numbers: | 1I01RX000180-01 |
| Study First Received: | October 14, 2009 |
| Last Updated: | January 29, 2015 |
| Health Authority: | United States: Federal Government |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
|
Schizophrenia Mental Disorders Schizophrenia and Disorders with Psychotic Features |
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on February 27, 2015