Remediation of Working Memory in Schizophrenia

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.