Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Remediation Therapy on Attention and Executive Functions in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background: Cognitive remediation therapy has demonstrated significant improvements in addressing the cognitive impairments commonly associated with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. It is one of the most effective interventions for improving attention and executive functions in schizophrenia patients. In India, there has been limited research on Brain Wave-R for schizophrenia patients. The present study therefore used a standardized and structured Brain Wave-R program as a cognitive remediation intervention for patients with schizophrenia. Objective: The current study aims to evaluate the impact of cognitive remediation therapy on attention and executive functions in patients with schizophrenia. Method: Using purposive sampling, the intervention (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups were randomly allocated to 20 schizophrenia patients who met the ICD-10 DCR criteria. The baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted after eight weeks of cognitive remediation treatment sessions. SPSS-20 was used to conduct Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons. Results: The comparison of Comprehensive Trail Making Test (CTMT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) demonstrated statistical significance at *p<0.05 and **p<0.01 after 8 weeks of CRT. Attention and executive function improved significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusions: CRT can benefit patients with schizophrenia either on its own or in combination with other non-pharmacological interventions.