Intensive Computerized Brain Training (ICBT) in Youth With Early Onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective (EOSS)

The purpose of this study is to provide a foundation for future rigorous study of an
intervention that translates what we know about refinement of synaptic connections in
response to environmental stimuli to an individualized intervention that directly improves
neurocognitive functioning in youths with early onset schizophrenia and schizoaffective
disorder (EOSS). We will conduct a pilot randomized control study that determines the
feasibility, tolerability and acceptability of Intensive Computerized Brain Training (ICBT)
in youth with EOSS.

Participants: Sixty youths, aged 10 years to 17 years inclusive will be assessed in the
study. Forty youths with EOSS will be randomly assigned to ICBT or an equally intense
computerized game activity and 20 will be age, gender and race matched youths with no major
psychiatric illnesses.

Procedures (methods): The forty participants with EOSS will be randomly assigned to
treatment with ICBT or equally intense video game play that also involves attention to
sensory stimuli and requires increasingly skilled responses. A computer generated
randomization schedule will be used to make assignments. Outcomes will be assessed at
baseline, completion of the intervention (week 20), month 8 (3 after completing the
intervention) and month 12 (7 months after completing the intervention). The other 20
youths, who comprise the typically developing comparison group known as healthy controls,
will not participate in the computer activity or regular monthly psychiatric visits and will
not complete satisfaction questionnaires.