Treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia - Part 1: Diagnostic and psychological training

Cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia. Although cognitive deficits in the domains of attention, memory and executive functions have been described for many decades, the focus on therapeutic approaches is new. The recognition that cognitive deficits are the best known predictor of functional outcome in schizophrenic patients explains the increasing interest in the diagnosis and therapy of these impairments. Standards for the reliable evaluation of neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia have been put forward by the MATRICS initiative (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia). In German-speaking countries the most popular cognitive training programs for schizophrenic patients are aEuroCogPack" and aEuroIntegrated Psychological Therapy (IPT)". Especially in Anglo-Saxon countries cognitive training has become more popular in recent years. Study outcomes can be considered encouraging. They show improvement of cognitive deficits and a positive impact on the functional outcome. Further studies are needed to optimize cognitive training for schizophrenic patients.