COGNITIVE REMEDIATION THERAPY APPLIED TO PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) is an evidence-based rehabilitative intervention aimed at improving cognitive functions impaired in major psychiatric disorders, promoting the generalization of acquired skills to daily life contexts and supporting psychosocial functioning recovery. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) as an integrated rehabilitative intervention for major psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Background: In psychotic and bipolar disorders, cognitive deficits are one of the main factors that limit daily and psychosocial functioning, often persisting even after symptoms have remitted. In this context, Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) has established itself as an evidence-based intervention aimed at enhancing cognitive functions and promoting functional recovery. Method: Two patients with different diagnoses (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) underwent an individual CRT program consisting of 40 sessions. The protocol, organized into modules dedicated to cognitive flexibility, working memory, and planning, employed techniques such as errorless learning, scaffolding, verbalization, and positive reinforcement. Neuropsychological assessment, conducted using the ENB-2 battery before and after treatment, allowed for monitoring changes in the main cognitive domains. Results: Both patients demonstrated improvements in attentional, memory, and executive performance, accompanied by increased illness awareness, motivation, and perceived self-efficacy. Progress was also observed in relational functioning and autonomy in managing daily activities. Conclusion: The results confirm the effectiveness of Cognitive Remediation Therapy as a rehabilitative tool supporting cognitive and psychosocial recovery in psychotic and mood disorders. Integrating CRT into multidisciplinary treatment programs represents a valuable approach to promoting functional recovery and enhancing patients’ quality of life.