Impact of a new cognitive remediation strategy on interpersonal problem solving skills and social autonomy in schizophrenia

Introduction. Despite recent developments, the impact of pharmacotherapy on social autonomy and interpersonal problem solving skills in patients with schizophrenia remains limited, with consequences in terms of socio-professional functioning. Indeed, independently of the positive, negative andlordisorganization symptoms, functional deficits inpatients with schizophrenia rely mainly on various cognitive impairments. Objectives. To determine the impact of a new Cognitive Remediation Strategy on interpersonal problem solving skills, social autonomy and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Methods. Thirty patients with schizophrenia were enrolled in a program consisting of 14 training sessions of 4 cognitive functions (attention/concentration, topological memory, logical reasoning, executive functions) using the REHACOM((R)) software. Measurements of attention (Continuous Performance Test, CPT), memory (Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, RBMT) and executive functions (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST) as well as interpersonal problem solving skills (Assessment of Interpersonal Problem-Solving Skills, AIPSS) and social autonomy (Social Autonomy Scale, EAS) and finally schizophrenia symptoms (Positive And Negative Syndrom Scale, PANSS) were undertaken at the beginning and the end of the 14 remediation meetings. Results. Cognitive functions, interpersonal problems solving skills, social autonomy and symptoms were significantly improved by the Cognitive Remediation Strategy. Conclusion. Our results confirm the therapeutic impact of a Cognitive Remediation Strategy among 30 schizophrenic patients stabilised on clinical, therapeutic and functional levels. The question of the long-term maintenance of such improvements still requires further investigation.