Targeted Cognitive Training in Clinical High Risk (CHR) for Psychosis

This project is a randomized-controlled trial to test the efficacy of computer-based targeted
cognitive training (TCT) versus a placebo intervention of commercial computer games in
adolescent/young adults at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. TCT is designed to
optimize learning-induced neuroplasticity in vulnerable neurocognitive systems. A main aim is
to test the hypothesis that this neuroscience-guided TCT intervention will improve neural
function, and that these neural improvements will improve cognition and functional outcome.
CHR participants will be randomly assigned to 40 hours of TCT or placebo computer games
completed within 10 weeks. TCT consists of 20 hours of training in cognition, including
processing speed, memory, attention, and cognitive control followed by 20 hours of training
in social cognition including affect recognition and theory of mind. Neuroimaging, cognition,
social cognition, clinical symptoms, and functional status will be assessed at baseline,
after 20 hours/5 weeks of cognitive training (mid-intervention), and after 20 hours/5 weeks
of social-cognitive training (post-intervention). Cognition, social cognition, symptoms, and
functioning will also be assessed at a 9 month follow-up (i.e. 9 months after intervention
completion). We predict that TCT will lead to improvements in neurocognitive function and
functional status. The results of this study will provide important information about a
benign, non-pharmacological intervention for improving cognition and functional outcome in
CHR individuals.