Cognitive deficits and cognitive training in schizophrenic patients: a review

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to review the current status of knowledge of cognitive deficits and remediation in patients with schizophrenia. METHOD: Relevant reports were identified by a literature survey. In addition, some outstanding researchers in these areas were asked to add to the identified list relevant literature that was not included. RESULTS: Our review focuses on the cognitive deficits observed in the areas of attention, memory and executive functions. We attempt to classify dysfunctions as vulnerability- or symptom-linked factors, and we discuss the methodological question of a general performance deficit vs. a differential deficit. Furthermore, we briefly delineate how antipsychotics affect cognitive functions. Finally, controlled studies of cognitive training are discussed in more detail. CONCLUSION: The most outstanding cognitive dysfunctions in patients with schizophrenia can be related to the areas of attention, memory and executive functions. Interest in cognitive remediation has to some extent been rekindled in the 1990s. However, few studies on the effects of cognitive training programs have been conducted.