Overview
These studies look to conduct efficient pilot testing of a novel intervention strategy for chronic psychotic disorders - Pharmacologic Augmentation of Cognitive Therapy (PACT) - via an experimental medicine approach. Antipsychotics are the major therapeutic tool for chronic psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, but do not significantly alter their course or real-life impact. Specific cognitive therapies achieve modest symptom reduction and improved function and cognition in psychosis patients, including "bottom-up" sensory-based targeted cognitive training (TCT). While benefits of TCT are evident at the group level, almost half of all patients demonstrate little or no cognitive gains after 30-40 hours (h) of TCT. For patients and clinicians, the costs and logistical complexities associated with these timeand resource-intensive interventions can be prohibitive. We propose and will test a novel "augmentation strategy" for using medications to specifically enhance the benefits of TCT in schizophrenia.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria include:
- DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressed type
- Written informed consent to participate in the study
- Age 18 - 55
- Absence of dementia or mental retardation
- Urine toxicology negative for recreational drugs
- Fluent and literate in English (needed for completion of WIN and QuickSIN)
Exclusion criteria include:
- Meets DSM-IV criteria for current substance abuse or dependence and has been substance abstinent for less than 30 days
- A history of traumatic brain injury
- Auditory or visual impairments severe enough to prevent study participation
- Under conservatorship (determined by Anasazi)
- Pregnancy